While you may be the primary driver of your vehicle, every now and then, another person who is not listed on your policy may need to drive it. However, in these cases, you may worry about insurance and what happens if this non-listed individual gets into a car accident in your vehicle. Fortunately, permissive use—a common feature on car insurance policies—allows a driver not listed on your policy who does not live at your address to drive your car as long as they do so infrequently. This means if the permissive user is in an accident while driving your vehicle, your insurance transfers over to them.
At Feller & Wendt, LLC™ we understand car insurance policies and permissive use can be confusing, so we use our years of experience and extensive legal knowledge to clearly and concisely explain them. Because Utah is a no-fault state, parties involved in a car accident must first seek compensation through their own insurance company, so if someone got into an accident while driving your car, we can help determine if permissive use applies to your situation. With this high-quality guidance and our comprehensive services, you can better understand your car insurance policy and have a stress-free legal experience.
What’s the Difference Between Permissive Use and Adding a New Driver to Your Policy?
With permissive use being a standard part of car insurance policies, you may wonder what the differences are between this feature and adding someone to your policy. Discrepancies between these actions include the following:
- Frequency of use: A permissive driver may only drive your vehicle up to 12 times per year while someone listed on your policy has regular use.
- Premiums: Adding someone to your policy may increase premiums, while permissive use comes with no additional cost.
- Length of coverage: With permissive use, other drivers only have temporary coverage, but adding someone to your policy gives them long-term coverage.
- Actions needed: Permissive use is typically part of the standard car insurance policy, making it easy for someone to drive your car using this feature. On the other hand, adding a driver to your policy is a more extensive process with your insurance company.
While permissive use and adding someone to your car insurance policy differ, both provide all coverage to those driving your car if they get into an accident. Our knowledgeable lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ can help you determine which option works best for you based on your unique circumstances.
Are There Exceptions to Permissive Use Car Insurance in Utah?
Like most auto insurance policies, permissive use has exceptions. In the following situations, permissive use may not apply:
- Another person uses your car to drive for rideshare services.
- Someone drives your vehicle without your permission or a driver’s license.
- Another person uses your car for business activity.
- Someone uses your vehicle to commit a crime.
- The driver purposefully causes damage or injury while driving your vehicle.
- Someone who is excluded from your policy in writing drives your car.
We understand the intricacies of car accident claims involving permissive use and drivers not on the vehicle owner’s policy, so our seasoned lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ provide open, honest communication to help you make the best decisions for your future.
Learn More About Permissive Use Car Insurance With the Knowledgeable Utah Lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™
If someone who does not live at your address drives your car less than 12 times a year, they may be considered a permissive driver. If a permissive driver gets into an accident while driving your vehicle, your car insurance policy can cover them. However, these policies can be complex, and insurance companies may attempt to undermine your claim if this happens. Fortunately, our experienced lawyers at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ are here to help.
We proudly provide unbeatable comprehensive legal services to Utah residents, so you can trust us to handle every aspect of your claim, including reviewing and explaining your car insurance policy and permissive use. Give us a call at 801.499.5060 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
