Borrowing your parents’ vehicle allows you to handle personal and professional situations, whether you’re using the vehicle temporarily for work, to run errands, or while assisting family and friends with disabilities. However, before getting behind the wheel and driving even a short distance, it would be best to know about potential risks and other implications, especially if you’re not listed on your parents’ current insurance plan. Even if you have a policy of your own, there may be limitations when operating someone else’s vehicle.
Obtain Permission
You must receive permission from your parents to drive their vehicle, even if you have your own insurance. Otherwise, you could face legal consequences if you’re involved in an accident or you’re stopped by a law enforcement officer for a traffic violation. The permission requirement is essential because parents can reduce the risk of an irresponsible driver operating their vehicle and stave off legal and financial consequences due to an accident or traffic issue.
If you’re responsible for an accident, your parents’ policy will generally be used to cover the costs. However, if the damage exceeds their limits, your coverage will kick in to finance the remaining costs.
Regardless, you’ll need to have permission from your parents to operate the vehicle. Failing to obtain their consent could lead to denied claims from both your insurance provider and your parents’ carrier.
Liability Only
In most cases, your insurance won’t apply to comprehensive or collision coverage when driving your parents’ vehicle. Instead, the policy extends to the car only.
Even though you have your own coverage, the owner of the vehicle’s policy will likely provide primary coverage, and your policy will be secondary when you both live in the same household. If you don’t live together, contact your provider and your parents’ insurance company to determine what steps to take before operating the vehicle.
Your Parents’ Coverage
If you live in the same household as your parents, it could be cost-efficient and less chaotic to remain on their current auto insurance policy. Even if you’re attending school and living on campus in-state or out of town, you can actively stay on your parents’ current policy. Only when you officially move from the city and state into your own residence will you need to obtain separate coverage.
If your parents are still the legal owners of the car, even if the vehicle was given to you, you’ll need to add your parents to your policy as nondrivers. This ensures the automobile is covered appropriately.
Research All Current Plans
Each state sets laws regarding its insurance requirements. Therefore, the providers of auto insurance Chula Vista drivers choose in California will set the standards for drivers and vehicle owners. In most cases, your insurance would only cover your parents’ vehicle, not your physical or financial expenses. In these instances, you should have your parents add you to their current plan to protect you and their vehicle.
Speak with the insurance company that covers your parents’ vehicle before operating the car. Doing so lets you confirm your current policy is in compliance with that company’s terms. The agency can also review exclusions before you get behind the vehicle’s wheel.
For detailed advice on whether you can drive your parent’s car, contact your insurance agent. If you’re looking for affordable car insurance and high-quality service, call on the trustworthy agents from Altra Insurance Services. We also provide dependable renters, homeowners, and motorcycle insurance. Drivers of all ages should give us a call today.