Reader’s Question:

If a friend of mine got DUI while driving my car, will this affect my car insurance?

Albert

The answer is no.

If your friend was cited for DUI (driving under the influence) while driving your car it will not affect your car insurance in any way. He will received the citation written in their name and not in the car owner. That would mean it will go in their record as a driver and it will not cause you any problems in your car insurance.

However, for instance, he gets involved in an accident using your car, the resulting claims will then go on your claims record and will affect your insurance premiums. Insurance usually follows the car first and the driver the second so that means if your friend got into an accident, it would be your insurance that would kick in first and your friends insurance would be the secondary or would cover the excess if your coverage limits were exceeded.

As the owner of the car, you have liability for those who uses your car so if the insurance limits were exceeded, then usually, in most sates, the driver and the owner of the car are responsible for all the damages that the motorist may cause while driving the vehicle.

Goodluck!

MariCAR