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Who pays when driver is not the car owner but has insurance?

In the event of a car accident, if the driver is not the car owner but has insurance, it depends on the specific insurance policy and state laws as to who pays for the damages. There are a few scenarios to consider:

Car Owner's Insurance:

If the car owner has an auto insurance policy, it may provide liability coverage for any damage or injuries caused by the car, regardless of who is driving. In this case, the car owner's insurance would primarily be responsible for paying for damages.

Driver's Insurance:

If the driver has their own auto insurance policy, it may also provide liability coverage for damages they cause while driving someone else's car. Depending on the policy terms and state laws, the driver's insurance may provide primary or secondary coverage.

State Laws and No-Fault Insurance:

In some states with no-fault insurance laws, the driver's own insurance may be responsible for paying for injuries to the driver and any passengers in the car, regardless of who is at fault. Liability coverage would then come into play for damages caused to other vehicles or property.

Permission of the Owner:

If the driver has permission from the owner to drive the car, the owner's insurance may cover the accident. However, if the driver does not have permission from the owner to drive the car, they may be considered an unauthorized driver, which could affect insurance coverage.

Determining Responsibility:

To determine who pays in such situations, it's important to carefully review the insurance policies of both the car owner and the driver, understand state laws on auto insurance, and consult with an insurance representative or attorney to ascertain the specific responsibilities and coverage in the given case.