who’s insurance is responsible in VA. when the car in accident is borrowed?

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Asked January 4, 2016

1 Answer


In Virginia, if a car is involved in an accident while it is being borrowed, the insurance policy of the owner of the car is typically the primary insurance coverage for the accident. However, the driver's insurance policy may also provide coverage in certain situations. Here are some details on how insurance coverage works in Virginia when a borrowed car is involved in an accident:

  • Primary insurance coverage: In most cases, the insurance policy of the owner of the car is considered the primary insurance coverage for an accident involving a borrowed car. This means that the owner's insurance policy will typically be responsible for paying for damages to other vehicles, property, and injuries sustained by others in the accident.
  • Secondary insurance coverage: If the owner's insurance policy does not provide enough coverage to pay for all of the damages and injuries resulting from the accident, the driver's insurance policy may also provide coverage. This is known as secondary insurance coverage.
  • Exclusions: It's important to note that there may be exclusions or limitations in the insurance policies of both the owner and the driver of the borrowed car that could impact coverage. For example, if the driver of the borrowed car is not authorized to drive the vehicle, the owner's insurance policy may not cover the accident. Similarly, if the driver is using the car for a commercial purpose and the owner's policy excludes commercial use, the owner's insurance policy may not cover the accident.
It's important to remember that insurance coverage for accidents involving borrowed cars can be complex, and the specific circumstances of the accident and insurance policies involved will need to be considered to determine liability and coverage. If you are involved in an accident while driving a borrowed car in Virginia, it's recommended that you contact your insurance company and a personal injury lawyer for advice on your specific situation.

Answered January 5, 2016 by CenterStone

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