What can I do if my auto insurer refuse to cover an automobile accident after I have been paying full coverage?
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What can I do if my auto insurer refuse to cover an automobile accident after I have been paying full coverage?
My mistake was that I authorized my son to drive my car one day because I could not do the driving. He is licensed.
Asked on December 30, 2014 under Accident Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Normally, an insurer will cover losses caused by authorized drivers of a car--for example, if you loaned your car to a friend or sibling for a day, the insurer would normally cover any losses. However, if you son either was a member of your household (i.e. lived with you) or else commonly or frequently borrowed your car, then he should have been listed on your policy as a covered driver (and you, presumably, should have paid something extra in premiums to cover him); a failure to list someone who should be on the policy can result in coverage for that person being denied. Your first step, in trying to resolve this matter, is to find out from your insurer why they are denying coverage--is it that they feel your son should have been named in the policy, or is it some other reason? Once you know the reason for the denial, you can then see if there is some way to overturn it and get your insurer to pay out for the loss.
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