Hey, Mind If I Borrow Your Car?

Whether it's family visiting from out of state or helping a friend in a jam, borrowing someone's car is a common thing in today's age. However, it is essential to ask yourself and the person driving your vehicle a series of questions in order to mitigate potential issues. Below are questions to consider asking before letting another individual drive off with your car -or before driving someone else's vehicle. 

Before Loaning Out Your Car

• Does he/she have a good driving record?: It's OK not to hand over your keys to someone who has a history of habitual fender-bender accidents. 
• Is my insurance up to date?: Every state requires auto insurance to some degree. Some states even stipulate that the owner's auto insurance provides primary coverage in case of an accident for the individual borrowing the car. Depending on your state's regulation, you should verify insurance policies for both you and the driver to avoid liability for potential accidents. 
• Is he/she licensed to drive?: If you have relatives or friends visiting from out of state, chances are that they have a valid license. If you have someone visiting from out of the country, they may need to apply for an international driving permit before arriving in the U.S.
• How do they plan to use the car?: Knowing what your friend or relative will use your vehicle for is essential. If they are going to use your car for any commercial activity, you may have to consult your insurance policy to ensure they are covered under your plan. If the individual plans to cross the border into Mexico or Canada, you will want to provide official documentation authorizing use of the car. Custom officers are usually on the lookout for stolen vehicles, and you don't want your friend or relative to be identified as someone who may have a stolen vehicle. 

Before Borrowing the Car

• Do I have permission to borrow the car?: It is critical to make sure that you have full permission to drive someone else's car. You could find yourself in legal trouble if full permission was not obtained before embarking on the road. 
• What type of gas should I use?: Not all cars use the same fuel type, so it's important to know what type of fuel to use for the vehicle that you're borrowing. It's always a courtesy to fill up the gas tank when returning the vehicle to its original owner as well.
• Where do you take the car for maintenance?: If you plan on using someone else's vehicle for the long haul, getting information on where to get maintenance is an excellent way to make sure the car stays in top shape.     
• What are the regulations in the state?: As the driver, it is your responsibility to know the rules of the road. These rules range from basic traffic law to licensing requirements. Even though you are borrowing a car, it is essential to have your own car insurance for any potential accidents. 

Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?

If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.