Loaned Vehicles Update
My 21-year-old son has his own insured vehicle, but he lives out of town for school, so his legal address isn’t mine. He frequently uses my fully insured spare car, which he recently wrecked. I believed the car would be covered in this situation.
I filed a claim and received a form asking if he “may live in the household” and “may regularly drive the vehicle.” It turns out their definition of “regular use” means driving the car more than once a week. He typically drives it occasionally and leaves his car at my place.
Is there a chance my claim will be denied? The damage is likely under $5,000, so it’s not the end of the world.
As a side note, I’m also lending him and my daughter a different vehicle this week for a trip to Florida. She has her own car and insurance as well, but they have never driven this particular vehicle. Before reading this thread, I would have thought this arrangement was fine.
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation with your insurance claim and the definitions being used by your insurance company. Since your son is driving your spare vehicle occasionally but not regularly (as defined by the insurer), it’s possible they might view this as a gray area. It will ultimately depend on the specifics of your insurance policy and how your insurer interprets the situation.
Understanding “Regular Use”: If the insurance company defines regular use as more than once a week, it may complicate your claim if they conclude your son is regularly using the vehicle. However, since he is not using it consistently, you may have grounds to argue against that definition.
Communicating with Your Insurer: It is important to be clear about how often your son drives the spare vehicle and that he has his own car. Providing accurate information and documentation about both vehicles, your son’s driving habits, and your overall situation may help clarify things for the insurance company.
Claim Denial Risks: There is a risk that the insurance company might deny your claim based on their definition of “regular use.” If they determine that your son should have been listed as a driver due to his occasional use of the vehicle, they might not cover the damages.
Your Daughter’s Situation: As for your daughter, it should generally be fine for her to use a different vehicle while she has her own insurance, especially if she hasn’t driven it before. Again, clear communication with your insurance company will be key here.
It might be a good idea to consult directly with your insurance agent to discuss all your concerns. They can provide clarity on your policy’s definitions and help navigate this issue.