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    What Happens If Someone Else Is Driving My Car And Gets In An Accident In Florida?

    The combination of tourism, traffic congestion, and infrastructure issues contributes to roughly 400,000 accidents annually in the Sunshine State. While you take the utmost care when driving your vehicle, there is no guarantee that a friend, loved one, or neighbor will give the same consideration.

    Did you know that your auto insurance will generally cover damages if another motorist gets into an accident driving your car? In this blog, our Florida car accident lawyers provide an overview of Florida car insurance laws, as well as exclusions that may apply.

    Florida Minimum Liability Insurance

    Florida is a no-fault state, so each driver’s respective insurance company will pay for that person’s medical expenses and lost wages. Under Florida law, motorists must purchase the minimum amounts of liability insurance:

    • $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) per person (covers 80% of medical expenses, 60% in lost wages, and $5,000 in death benefits);
    • $20,000 in PIP per accident;
    • $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL).

    Keep in mind that these are minimum liability limits, so if accident-related expenses exceed this coverage, you may be forced to pay out-of-pocket. Our Tampa car accident lawyers recommend that you purchase higher coverage, with exact limits depending upon the age and value of your vehicle.

    Permissive Use

    Florida car insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. So, if you give another person permission to drive your vehicle, then your insurance will pay if he or she is involved in an accident. There is typically a permissive use clause contained in auto policies, granting coverage to a motorist who occasionally uses your car insurance. However, if you have a household member who routinely uses your vehicle, that individual should be listed on your policy.

    Exceptions

    The Driver is Listed as an Excluded Driver on Your Policy

    Your insurance will not cover anyone you have listed as an excluded driver on your policy. If an excluded driver is operating your vehicle and becomes involved in an accident, you may be financially responsible for any accident-related costs.

    The Driver Has a History of Reckless Driving

    If the driver you let use your car has a history of accidents or traffic violations or has a suspended license, your auto policy will not cover the crash, and your insurer may even cancel your policy. Even worse, you could be sued for negligent entrustment. If the other driver can prove that you knew or should have known that the individual you lent your car to pose a risk of harm to others, you may be ordered to pay that person damages.

    You Did Not Give the Driver Permission to Use Your Vehicle

    Permissive use only applies if you give the individual permission to use your car. If the person took it without your knowledge, then your auto insurer will likely not provide coverage in an accident.

    Consult A Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today

    If a friend, neighbor, or family member was involved in an accident in your vehicle, our Florida car accident lawyers are available to assist you in your claim. Our understanding of insurance law and willingness to negotiate with insurance adjusters will ensure that your rights are protected. To learn more or to schedule your consultation, contact us online or by phone today.