What to Do If an Accident Occurs While Driving Someone Else's Car?
2 Answers
If an accident occurs while driving someone else's car, the driver should immediately stop the vehicle and secure the scene. In case of personal injury or death, the driver must promptly provide first aid to the injured and quickly report the incident to the traffic police on duty or the traffic management department of the public security authority. Claims Settlement Considerations: Report Promptly: After a traffic accident, the vehicle owner should secure the scene and report the incident to the insurance company within 48 hours, truthfully describing the accident process, providing the insurance policy, and waiting for the insurance company’s surveyor to inspect the scene. Meanwhile, fill out the Claim Application Form. Small Claims May Not Be Cost-Effective: When renewing auto insurance, insurance companies offer a premium discount clause: if no claims are made within a year, a 10% premium discount can be applied for the next year’s renewal. If there are no claims for several consecutive years, the premium discount can reach up to 30%.
The first thing to do after an accident in someone else's car is to stop and protect the scene, turn on the hazard lights, and place a warning triangle. If there are injured people in the car, call 120 for emergency help immediately, then call the police to report the accident (122). At this point, you must inform the car owner personally—don’t hide it. Contact the insurance company to confirm whether the car insurance covers third-party drivers. If the accident is your fault, the insurance may not cover it, and you’ll have to bear the repair costs yourself. Remember to take photos as evidence, including the vehicle's position, collision points, and license plates. After reporting to the police, wait for traffic officers to handle the situation—the accident liability determination document is crucial. Afterward, proactively discuss compensation with the car owner, preferably drafting a written agreement. Before borrowing a car, it’s best to check the vehicle's insurance terms, as many policies only cover specified drivers.
