I have comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Recently, someone without a valid driver’s license (due to money owed to the franchise tax board) was driving my car and ended up totaling it in a five-car pileup. Although they’re not listed on my insurance policy, they also aren’t classified as a restricted driver.
Given that the accident wasn’t their fault, will my insurance still compensate me for the value of my totaled vehicle? Any insights, advice, or experiences would be appreciated. (Apart from the obvious lesson of not allowing an unlicensed individual to drive my car.
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Rough situation with the totaled car! Comprehensive insurance usually covers things like theft or animal crashes, not who’s driving. The tricky part is most policies won’t cover unlicensed drivers, even if they aren’t listed as restricted. Call your insurance company right away and be honest about everything. Look over your policy for any mention of unlicensed drivers. There’s a chance they might still cover it since the accident wasn’t their fault, but it’s best to be upfront and hope for the best. Lesson learned: unlicensed drivers are a big no-no behind the wheel, and insurance might not help out.
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Car insurance often only covers the vehicle and not the driver.
Therefore, even unlicensed drivers may be covered by an active policy, yet there are some exclusions:
- Exclusion Clauses: Certain drivers, such as those without licenses, are not covered by certain insurance.
- Legality: It is against the law to allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle, and your insurance provider may refuse to cover you as a result of the conditions being broken.
For clarification, it is important to examine the details of your insurance or give your insurer a call. Never give your car to an unauthorized driver.