QuestionI just had a friend of mine get into an accident in my car. He is illegal and unlicensed. He was 100% at fault as he rear ended someone who was stopped at a red light. My auto insurance policy is with State Farm and i have full coverage. Wil my car or the other car involved be covered by my insurance. I cannot tell if I have an exclusion in my policy for unlicensed drivers.
AnswerTony,
In almost every instance like you describe, there is coverage. I have never seen an exclusion that says you can't let an unlicensed driver drive. There are endorsements that say you can't have someone living with you (that doesn't have a license) and let them drive the vehicle. Essentially the endorsement is a "unlisted household member" endorsement.
I can say with 95% certainty that if you have State Farm, and you gave your friend permission to drive, then he is covered! State Farm should step up and pay for the damages to both your vehicle and the vehicle that your friend damaged. Of course on your damages, your deductible will apply.
Check this out. . . in the standard personal auto policy from ISO (Insurance Services Office), the part that applies to your case is under Part A - Liability Coverage, Insuring Agreement, B.
"Insured" as used in this Part means:
1. You are any "family member" for the ownership, maintenance or use of any auto or "trailer".
2. Any person using "your covered auto".
It has a #3 and #4, but number 2 is the one you want to read. There is an exclusion that says we don't pay for losses for any "insured". . . "using a vehicle without a reasonable belief that that "insured" is entitled to do so."
Whether I have a driver license or not, if you (as the owner) tell me I can drive your vehicle, then I am "entitled" to do so by your good graces.
I hope this helps!
JP
