In most cases, car insurance coverage follows you from vehicle to vehicle. Sometimes, it depends on if the driver, but there are exceptions to the rule. Learning how and when you’re covered will help you understand your policy and what types of coverage you may want to add to your policy.

What Does Your Car Insurance Cover? 

When Does Car Insurance Follow the Driver?

If someone borrows your car and has an accident, the car’s insurance is considered the primary one. However, if the damage exceeds the liability coverage, the driver’s policy covers the remaining costs.

You can also exclude certain people from driving your vehicle. If they do drive your car and they get into an accident, they would be responsible for paying for the damages.

You may list certain people as being able to drive your vehicle, which makes them part of your insurance. However, there’s an exception if the permitted driver operates your vehicle drive while impaired through drugs or alcohol. If they get into an accident while under the influence, your insurance may not cover any of the damage.

When Does it Follow the Vehicle?

If you allow someone to drive your car without a license and they get into an accident, your insurance must cover the damages.

Liability insurance follows you from vehicle to vehicle, even if you’re driving a car owned by a friend.

Comprehensive and collision car insurance doesn’t follow the driver—it carries over from vehicle to vehicle. They cover damage, including both vandalism and accidents. However, there are exceptions.

The insurance only applies when the drivers are listed on the insurance. If someone—even a family member—drives the car and is in an accident, it will only be covered if that person is listed as a driver on your policy.

What Precautions Should You Take to Ensure Coverage?

Make sure family members, such as spouses and children, are covered under your comprehensive and collision insurance.

To ensure coverage, only allow drivers to use your vehicle with permission. Make sure they have both a driver’s license and are insured in case there’s an accident.

Since plans differ from driver to driver, understanding the specifics of your plan will help you avoid confusion. If your plan is complicated, insurance agents are available to explain the ins and outs of your policy.

If you have questions about your car insurance, reach out to Lafever Insurance Agency in Cookeville, TN. They have over 30 years of experience in providing affordable rates for all their clients. This including young drivers and preferred risk drivers. To get you on the road faster, they also offer SR-22 and the coverage you need to legally operate a vehicle in Tennessee. For a free estimate, their friendly agents are available at (931) 526-3377. For more information on their coverage areas, including mobile homes and motorcycles, visit their website.