Many people assume that their car insurance is fully applicable to any and all drivers of their vehicle. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and many people only discover that their coverage does not apply after an accident has occurred.
In most states, comprehensive coverage and liability coverage applies to your car regardless of who is driving it. However, this is no longer the case in Pennsylvania. State law regarding automobile accident policies changed in April, 2015. Since then, if a driver who is not listed on your policy has an accident in your car, there may be no applicable coverage. Automobile accident policies are now being written to apply only to those drivers named on the policy. The relevant case is An v. Victoria Fire & Casualty Company.
In the wake of these changes, many people will need to make sure that their car insurance policy still meets their needs. If your policy rates decrease substantially or you are offered a new, cheaper policy, these are potential red flags that might point to the exclusion of all drivers not explicitly named.
If you are unsure as to whom your car insurance will cover in the event of an accident, we strongly encourage you to contact your insurance company. If your policy does not apply to people who use your car, you should either add them or seek a new policy that will cover them.
Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. is Lancaster County’s leading accident firm. If you need a motor vehicle accident lawyer, our well-credentialed and highly skilled trial attorneys will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation. While insurance companies always seek to pay out as little as possible, the attorneys at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. always put clients first. We have extensive experience dealing with all types of accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents and tractor accidents.
Give us a call today at 717-394-3004 for a free discussion and evaluation concerning your case. Or, if just want us to take a look at your auto insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered, please do not hesitate to contact us.
