QuestionMy daughter had permission to drive a friend's car. The friend was in the car. My daughter backed out of a driveway and struck the driver's side door of a parked car opposite the driveway. At first, the friend's mother said they could split the out of pocket expenses. They have a $1000 deductable. The friend's car has $750 in damage and the other car was 'supposedly' $2000. Now, the story has changed. The friend says their insurance covered the other car, but they want my daughter to pay the $750. for their car. Something smells fishy. If the frind actually filed a claim, wouldn't it cover BOTH vehicles? I suspect the 'other' guy filed a 'hit and run claim', where there was no deductable on his insurance and the so called friend is now trying to avoid any expense by having my daughter pay the entire bill. Also, does my daughter really have ANY liability here since the insurance is on the car, not the driver?
AnswerDeductables do not apply to liability on auto policies. The insurance company covered the other car in full. The deductable is for the damage on the insured vehicle only.
You said that the freind's car has a $1000 deductable. That is why the friend has to pay the $750 because that deductable has not been reached. What reason would the owner of the other car have to file a UM claim if he was already being compensated? That makes no sense.
The third part of your question regarding your daughter's liability though was very disappointing. What kind of lession are you trying to teach your kids about responsiblity?
Yes, insurance follows the car. Did the car back itself into another car. If not for you daughter behind the wheel, would we be having this discussion? Why on earth would you believe that your daughter does not owe for this?
Hopefully, you'll advise her to do the right thing.
