Are you held responsible for accidents when someone else is driving your car? When an accident occurs, auto insurance typically follows the vehicle, not the driver. What happens when someone else is driving your vehicle without your permission?
Auto policies vary from insurer to insurer. Insurance carriers will typically offer coverage to the policyholder and their spouse, as well as anyone who resides in the policyholder’s home. For instance, if your child drives your car and is involved in an accident, they would typically automatically be covered under your insurance policy, unless they were listed as an excluded driver. If someone outside of your household is driving your vehicle and is involved in an accident, they would also be covered, as long as they had your permission to drive your car.
Maryland Auto’s policy is slightly different. We only consider the policyholder and their spouse living with them as being automatically covered. Beyond their spouse, a Maryland Auto policyholder must provide anyone else permission to drive their car in order to be covered, regardless of whether that person resides in the policyholder’s household or not.
What happens if someone drives your vehicle without your permission and is involved in an accident? If someone borrows the car without your consent, the claim may be denied by your insurance carrier. If the person borrowing your vehicle has auto insurance, their policy may take over.
If your car is stolen, your insurance company will investigate the theft. You will not be held liable for damages caused to any vehicles, people, or property while your car was stolen.
For clarification on the specifics of who is covered under your policy, speak with your agent. Find contact information for authorized Maryland Auto agents here.
