Car Crashed by Friend? Check Your Insurance Coverage Now!

Car accidents can happen at any time, and they can be particularly stressful if you have to deal with the aftermath of someone else's mistake. But what happens if the driver who caused the accident is your friend, and you were not driving the car at the time of the accident? The good news is that your car insurance can cover the damages caused by your friend, but the type of coverage and the extent of the coverage will depend on your policy. Let’s take a detailed look into the same.

Coverage for Accidents Caused by a Friend

Your car insurance policy will typically provide coverage for accidents caused by someone else while driving your car, including a friend. The coverage options include third-party liability coverage and comprehensive coverage. Here's a breakdown of each of these coverage options:

1. Third-Party liability coverage

Liability coverage will pay for damages to the other driver's car and any injuries sustained in the accident if your friend was at fault. This coverage will not pay for any damages to your car or any injuries you or your friend may have sustained in the accident. *

2. Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages to your car as well as damages to the third party in the event of an accident. *

Steps to Take After a Friend Crashes Your Car

If your friend has been involved in an accident while driving your car, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that you can file a car insurance claim:

1. File a First Information Report (FIR)

If the accident resulted in injury, death, or significant damage to property, it's essential to contact the police immediately. The police will file an FIR, which will be required when filing a car insurance claim.

2. Obtain important details

Ensure that you have the relevant information about the other driver involved in the accident, including contact details, insurance details, and driver’s license details. This information will be required when filing a car insurance claim.

3. Contact your car insurance company

After you have obtained enough details relevant to the accident, inform your car insurance company about it. Your insurance company may need to know the details of the accident, such as when it happened, where it happened, and the extent of the damages.

Documents Required to File a Car Insurance Claim

Here are some documents you need to keep ready to file a car insurance claim in such a situation:

1. Copy of driving license

You need to provide a copy of your valid driving license to prove that you are authorized to drive the vehicle. You may also have to provide your friend’s driving license.

2. Copy of vehicle registration certificate (RC)

The RC of the car is essential to establish ownership and to confirm that the car is registered with the RTO.

3. Insurance policy

The insurance policy is the most crucial document that you must have when filing a claim.

4. FIR copy

In case of an accident or theft, an FIR (First Information Report) copy needs to be submitted to the insurance company.

5. Claim form

You will need to fill up a claim form that provides details about the accident, the damages, and the repair cost.

6. Repair bills and estimates

You must provide the original bills and repair estimates to claim reimbursement for the cost of repairs.

7. Payment receipts

Keep all payment receipts, including towing charges, if any, to claim reimbursement. After you have provided all the necessary documentation, your vehicle insurance company may process your claim. This may take some time, so it is important to be patient and follow up with your insurance company if you have not heard back from them.

Renewing Your Car Insurance Policy

If your friend caused an accident while driving your car, it may impact your car insurance policy renewal. Here’s what you need to know about renewing your car insurance policy after a friend crashes your car:

1. Your premiums may increase

If your friend was at fault for the accident, your premiums may increase when you renew your car insurance policy. The more the number of claims made in a year, the higher the premium may be when renewal is due.

2. Evaluate your coverage

It's important to evaluate your car insurance coverage after a friend crashes your car. You may want to consider increasing collision coverage in your policy.

3. Choose the right insurance company

During car insurance renewal, it's essential to choose the right insurance company. Look for an insurer that provides good customer service, affordable rates, and a range of coverage options.

Conclusion

Your car insurance policy can cover damages caused by a friend who crashes your car, but the type and extent of the coverage will depend on your policy. If your friend has been involved in an accident while driving your car, ensure that you take the necessary steps to file a car insurance claim. After the accident, evaluate your car insurance coverage and consider adding or increasing coverage to ensure that you're adequately protected in the future. * Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.