What is Permissive Use in Car Insurance Policies?
Understanding the concept of permissive use in car insurance policies is important for any car owner in Kansas who ever considers lending their vehicle to someone they know. This type of coverage determines whether your insurance policy applies if someone else driving your car is involved in an automobile wreck. The Kansas car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group often see cases where confusion over this specific policy detail creates significant legal complications after a crash.
Whether you’re a vehicle owner in Wichita, Topeka, or Garden City, it’s important to understand this facet of auto insurance. To help you do so, our team offers the following information.
Defining Permissive Use in Car Insurance Policies
In simple terms, permissive use applies to situations where the person insured on an auto policy gives another person permission to use their vehicle. This component of insurance extends coverage to drivers not explicitly listed on the policy, provided they had consent to use the car.
As an example, if a Wichita resident lets a friend borrow their SUV to run errands, that friend would probably be covered under the vehicle owner’s insurance policy through permissive use. However, what counts as “permission” can vary based on policy language.
How Permissive Use in Car Insurance Works in Kansas
Kansas follows a standard approach to permissive use in car insurance, where coverage typically follows the vehicle rather than the driver. This means that when you lend your car to someone, your insurance policy is usually the primary coverage if they cause an accident. For example, if a Garden City teen borrows a parent’s car with permission and is involved in a fender-bender, the parent’s insurance would generally be the first to respond to claims for damages.
It’s important to note that the permission must be explicit, and the borrower must generally operate the vehicle within the scope of the permission given. If limitations were placed on the use, such as only for a specific trip to West Ridge Mall, and the driver substantially violated those terms, coverage could potentially be jeopardized.
Exceptions to Permissive Use Coverage
While permissive use in car insurance provides important protection, it can have certain limitations. Car insurance policies can have exclusions that can void coverage in some situations. Here are two examples. First, if you knowingly lend your car to someone who is unlicensed or intoxicated, your insurance company may deny coverage for any accidents they cause. Secondly, if someone drives your vehicle without explicit permission, coverage would not apply under permissive use.
Regular, frequent use by someone not listed on your policy, like a roommate who drives your car to the Delano District every day to work, may also trigger coverage issues, as insurance companies expect such regular drivers to be listed on the policy. When accidents happen under these complex circumstances, our Kansas injury attorneys can help you understand your insurance coverage and determine liability.
What Happens After an Accident Involving a Borrowed Car?
When an accident occurs involving a borrowed vehicle in Kansas, insurance claims can become complicated. Typically, the vehicle owner’s insurance is the primary coverage, while the driver’s personal insurance may serve as secondary coverage if damages exceed the owner’s policy limits.
As an example, if a borrowed car is involved in a serious multi-vehicle collision on Kellogg Avenue in Wichita, the insurance policies of the vehicle owner and borrower might need to be coordinated to cover all damages. The experienced Kansas injury attorneys from Patterson Legal Group can untangle these complex insurance situations to make sure all available coverage is utilized to compensate accident victims properly.
Why Understanding Permissive Use Matters for Kansas Drivers
Failing to understand the rules of permissive use in car insurance can be an expensive oversight. If your insurance denies coverage because the driver didn’t have clear permission or fell under a policy exclusion, you could be held personally liable for property damage and medical expenses resulting from an accident.
Before lending your vehicle to anyone, verify that they have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving history. Additionally, reviewing your own policy’s specific language regarding permissive use can help you understand your potential liability. If you’re uncertain about your coverage, our team of Kansas injury attorneys can review your insurance policy and determine your best course of action.
The Kansas car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at (888) 687-2400, speak with our LiveChat representatives online, or submit your case information through our secure contact form. Our esteemed trial lawyers have recovered full and fair compensation for clients throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Reach out to us today to get the elite legal services you need.
