Full question:
A friend has asked to borrow my spare truck for the summer. I have no objection, but I want to know if I have any legal exposure, and if so, what I should do to minimize it?
- Category: Automobiles
- Date:
- State: Virginia
Answer:
If you let someone borrow your truck and they get into an accident, your car insurance will cover any claims for damages. Insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. However, if you are driving someone else's vehicle that lacks sufficient insurance, you could be liable if an accident occurs. You can be held responsible for damages caused by someone you allow to drive your truck.
Ensure the person borrowing your truck is a reliable driver. Your vehicle's insurance is the primary coverage, while the driver's insurance acts as secondary coverage. If your friend receives a speeding ticket while using your truck, any points will affect their insurance, not yours.
It's wise to check with your insurance agent to confirm that your policy covers other drivers. If your policy doesn't provide coverage and the borrower lacks insurance, you could face financial liability for any injuries or property damage resulting from an accident.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.