Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance Claim Denial, insurance claim denial, inclement weather conditions

Question
Hello!  My son was recently involved in an accident on the highway due to
inclement weather conditions. The vehicle skidded & hit the guard rail.  There
were no injuries, just damage to the front of the vehicle which is still drivable.  
My son does not live with me & was just borrowing my vehicle.  The insurance
company denied the claim stating that because he is not listed on the
insurance policy.  But the policy only states household members & does not
make any mention to non-household members.  Can they deny this claim?

Answer
This does not sound right.  I don't know which state your policy is in, so I don't know the law, but I am not aware of any state where policies can exclude Collision coverage because the driver was not listed on the policy.

Normally, the policy provides coverage as long as you, a resident relative, or anyone who has your permission to drive the vehicle, is operating it.  

Check your policy declarations page first to make sure you have collision coverage.  The read the policy booklet again to see when the vehicle is covered and when they can exclude coverage.  Now, if your son was an excluded driver, this would make sense.  This is when the company becomes aware someone might use the vehicle who has a poor record.  But they would notfy you in writing before the loss if this was the case.

I would call and ask the claim supervisor to explain.  If you  are not satisfed, call the insurance department for your state and ask for assistance.  Worst case scenario, you can get a lawyer.