What Happens in Arizona When You Let Someone Else Drive Your Car, and They Get in an Accident?
January 8, 2025 | Car Accidents
It can happen simply enough: a friend asks to borrow your car while their vehicle is in the shop. But the next thing you know, your friend has gotten in a crash. You are rightfully worried about how this will affect you and whether you are financially responsible for the consequences. Here are some answers to common questions about this legal issue.
What Can Happen If Someone Driving My Car Gets in an Auto Accident?
If someone else causes a car accident in your car, you could be legally liable for the consequences. This could mean that no insurance coverage is available to pay for your vehicle repairs. The other driver may have a viable claim against you for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. The car accident victim has two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against you under Arizona’s statute of limitations.
Your insurance company may deny the claim if the driver was not listed on your insurance policy. You can also expect increased insurance premiums if the driver of your car is found at fault.
Does Car Insurance Cover the Car or the Driver?
Car insurance typically covers the car, even if the person driving it is not on the insurance policy. Keep in mind the insurance company will look for ways to deny your claim to protect its bottom line, so it may initially try to deny your claim by stating that the driver was not on the policy and should have been. To avoid this problem, it is best to make sure anyone who is driving your car is insured, either by adding them to your policy or ensuring they have coverage that applies while driving your vehicle.
Is the Driver of My Car Automatically At Fault?
Arizona is an at-fault state for car insurance. The party found at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the other person’s damages. This is usually done by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Minimum liability insurance amounts in Arizona are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for two or more people injured in an accident
- $15,000 for property damage
Even if you were not in the vehicle at the time of the accident, your liability coverage may apply if the person driving your car was found at fault for the accident.
However, the person driving your car might not be at fault. If an uninsured driver driving an insured car did not cause the accident and was not found at fault, the other driver’s liability insurance policy may be in play. In that circumstance, you would not be responsible for the damages. You could file a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy to cover your property damage.
Insurance May Cover Accidents Caused by Other Drivers
Your liability policy could still apply even if the driver is not on your insurance policy. But there are some exceptions, including:
- You did not give the driver permission to drive your vehicle.
- You excluded the driver from your insurance policy.
- The driver was unlicensed or breaking the law, such as drinking and driving.
An experienced car accident lawyer can review your situation and explain your legal rights and options.
Contact the Arizona Car Accident Lawyers at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix car accident attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
3200 N Central Ave Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 600-9000
