Your car insurance policy provides liability coverage for damages caused by you while operating a covered vehicle, which typically includes your owned or leased vehicle. Rental vehicles driven by others are generally not considered covered under your personal insurance policy.
Here's how your car insurance liability coverage works:
1. Third-Party Liability:
Liability coverage protects you financially if you cause injury to others or damage to another person's property, including vehicles, in a car accident.
- It covers the cost of medical expenses, repairs, and legal liabilities resulting from the accident, up to the policy limits.
2. Property Damage Liability:
This coverage specifically pays for damages you cause to another person's property, including damage to their vehicle in a collision.
3. Policy Coverage:
Your liability coverage extends only to the vehicles listed on your policy. If the rental car driven by your girlfriend is not listed as an additional insured vehicle on your policy, any damage caused to the rental car will not be covered.
The rental vehicle itself should have its own insurance coverage, whether it's a rental company's insurance or additional coverage purchased separately by your girlfriend at the time of rental. Check the rental agreement and insurance options provided by the rental company for information about the rental car's insurance coverage.
If the rental car was also insured, you might need to file a claim through her rental car insurance to cover the damages. Her insurance might also include liability coverage that could potentially address the damage caused to the fence.
It's important to be aware of the specific terms and coverage limits of your own car insurance policy and understand the insurance details of the rental car your girlfriend was using. If you're unsure, it's recommended to contact your insurance company or the rental company for further guidance and clarification on insurance coverage in this scenario.
