Will Insurance Cover An Unlicensed Driver?

The simple answer is yes and no and it depends on the policy and the details of the incident. Insurance companies require drivers to have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle. Insurance companies usually cover the car and not the driver. So will insurance cover an unlicensed driver?

If you knowingly allow an unlicensed driver to use your vehicle, insurance may deny coverage. If that driver causes an accident, your vehicle and the driver may not be covered. Florida is a no-fault state, but PIP coverage may still be denied. Allowing an unlicensed driver to use your car can lead to claim rejection.

If your insurance company denies the claim, you may have to cover the accident-related damages yourself.

While Florida is a no-fault state, your insurance company will likely deny your PIP coverage if you knowingly allowed a driver without a license to use your vehicle. If the insurance company denies your claim then you may be on the line to cover damages related to the accident. You could face legal, financial, and criminal penalties. So what happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with my car?

Will Insurance Cover An Unlicensed Driver?

If your car was stolen by an unlicensed driver then so long as you have comprehensive and collision coverage then your vehicle and associated damages should be covered. In the event that an unlicensed driver steals your vehicle and gets into an accident then your policy should cover the damages.

What Happens If a Driver in My Household Steals My Vehicle?

In this case, it is critical that you contact the police and report your vehicle as stolen. This is your first step in proving that you did not give the unlicensed driver permission to use your vehicle. The police report becomes a crucial piece of evidence.

Without filing a stolen vehicle report with the police, you could face penalties. Your insurance claim will also be denied. If you previously gave permission to an unlicensed household member to drive, your claim could be affected. Later denying permission may not be enough.

If that person still used your vehicle and caused an accident, the insurer may deny your claim. They could argue it wasn’t stolen due to your history of granting permission.

What If a Family Member Took the Car?

Will insurance cover an unlicensed driver? This situation could be considered unauthorized use. An insurance company could deny coverage to you if an unlicensed family member took your car and caused an accident or damaged your vehicle. This includes a spouse, dependent, or child. It is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to examine your coverage and help you determine what rights you have.

What Happens If an Unlicensed Driver Has an Accident with My Car?

If an unlicensed driver in or out of your household has an accident with your vehicle then you may be on the hook to cover the financial damages associated with the accident. Further, you could face other legal and criminal penalties.

This is why it is critical to report your car as stolen and file a police report as soon as you realize the vehicle is gone from the property even if this household member is listed on your policy. Failing to do so could give the reinsurance company reason to deny your claim. If you have comprehensive coverage then your insurance company should cover the accident even if the theft occurred by someone in your household. The only hurdle is that you must prove that the use was unauthorized. Previous instances of permission could give the insurance company reason to deny your claim.

What If I Am Giving a Driving Lesson to an Unlicensed Driver?

If you are giving a driving lesson to a permit driver and the permit driver causes an accident then most car insurance policies cover learner drivers with a valid permit who are following the law and being supervised by a licensed driver while operating the vehicle. If the permit driver is in your household, your insurance company will likely require you to add them to your policy.

Consult an Attorney

If an unlicensed driver has an accident in your car and there were injuries, it is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to review your claim.

Clayton Trial Lawyers can protect your rights and make sure valuable evidence is not destroyed.

Often, insurance companies request statements immediately after an accident. It is important to get legal advice before providing any statement.

Your attorney can guide you on securing full compensation for your vehicle. They can also help ensure you receive the best medical treatment available. Contact us today for a free consultation.