Is Insurance Tied to the Vehicle or the Person?
2 Answers
Insurance is tied to the vehicle. The following are the key points to note regarding commercial insurance claims: 1. Carry the insurance policy in the vehicle: Keep clear copies of the "Three Certificates and One Policy" for the motor vehicle, namely the owner's ID card, driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, and the insurance policy. 2. Report the accident promptly: When calling the insurance company's claim hotline, provide basic information such as the policy number, time of the accident, location, and nature of the incident. 3. Temporary license plates: Vehicles with temporary license plates usually only have short-term compulsory traffic insurance, with specified routes and times. The insurance company will not cover accidents that occur outside the designated routes and times. 4. Accidents in a different location: Report the accident to the insurance company immediately, and the loss assessment personnel at the accident location will conduct an inspection and assessment on behalf of the insurer. Compensation costs are generally estimated according to the industry standards of the accident location. If partial damage is discovered only after returning to the insured location, the insurance company may supplement the loss assessment and compensation for this part of the repair costs.
When it comes to whether car insurance follows the vehicle or the driver, my understanding is that it primarily follows the vehicle. After purchasing insurance, the insurer binds the policy to the vehicle identification number (VIN), not the individual's ID number. When ownership changes, the insurance must be updated or transferred; otherwise, the new owner may not be able to drive the car legally. I've encountered situations where friends borrowed my car to drive—while the insurance covers authorized drivers of my vehicle, in case of an accident, the primary responsibility still falls under the vehicle's registered information. Additionally, the law requires vehicles to be insured before they can be driven on the road, and checks are based on the license plate and insurance policy. This design simplifies management and avoids confusion. For example, rental or shared cars also have insurance tied to the vehicle. However, be cautious as personal driving habits can affect premium rates—younger drivers may face higher costs. It's crucial to regularly check if the policy is valid to prevent unexpected lapses and fines. In summary, the core of insurance is vehicle-centric, which facilitates better risk control and safety.
