Borrowing an Uninsured Car Will My Policy Cover an Accident?

Reader’s Question:

I am from Pennsylvania, and I usually drive my friend’s uninsured car. Will my auto insurance cover it if I get involved in an accident?

Betty

Lancaster, PA

Pennsylvania is one of the largest states that adopted the no-fault law. The no-fault law states that if there was a car accident, the parties involved will be covered by their own car insurance company regardless of who was responsible for the mishap. This no-fault law is an attempt to minimize delays and red tape. Lengthy lawsuits trying to determine who was at fault and who needs to pay who can be quite tedious and bothersome.

In your case, before you borrow anybody’s car, be sure to verify if it has auto insurance coverage. Your friend has to obtain his or her own insurance coverage for the car. It is against the law to acquire a vehicle and not have it covered. This is because every federal government requires its motorists to have financial responsibility if they cause unfortunate accidents. So your friend is obligated to insure it.

If ever you get into an accident while driving your friend’s car, then his or her insurance will kick in first. Your auto insurance policy will be a back up to your friend’s coverage if it so happens that his or her policy limits cannot pay for all the expenses incurred following an accident.

What Car Makes and Models Affect Auto Insurance Rates?

Reader’s Question:

Hello there. I hear the type of car you have can affect the auto insurance rates you pay. Can anyone give me some tips? I’m planning to buy a nice new car soon.

Alex

Philadelphia, PA

Hey there, Alex! I’m sure you’re all excited to get your new car. Sometimes, it’s real easy to get carried away when you’re looking to buy the car you have always dreamed of. Still, unless you’re swimming in money, it would be best to choose a practical vehicle as the auto insurance costs for the lavish cars almost always comes with a high price tag.

If you want to walk on the safe side, I suggest you buy a car that isn’t so expensive to insure. Veer away from the vehicles that cost a lot to repair. Also stay away from cars that are favorites of car thieves. You can check out the car’s safety ratings as this will also affect the auto insurance prices that you pay. You can even get discounts for having additional safety and anti-theft devices installed. If this isn’t your first car, maybe you can ask your auto insurance company for a discount as you will be insuring multiple cars with them. You will need all the discounts you can get to ensure that you can buy enough coverage for your car. In general, you would need more coverage for a new car as it is more expensive to repair or replace. So do shop around online and get your free auto insurance quotes. Happy car shopping!