What to Do When a Friend Gets into an Accident While Driving Your Car?
2 Answers
As the actual owner of the vehicle, the party involved should cooperate with the traffic police department's investigation after lending the car to someone else and an accident occurs. Promptly provide materials such as the vehicle registration certificate and insurance policy, and assist the party responsible for the accident in filing a claim with the insurance company.
If your friend gets into an accident while driving your car, don’t panic. First, ensure everyone is safe, including securing the accident scene. Call an ambulance or the police if there are injuries. Next, avoid blaming your friend—it’s an accident, so communicate calmly to avoid hurting your relationship. Document the accident details promptly, such as the time, location, and the other party’s vehicle information, and take photos as evidence. Then, contact your insurance company to explain the situation. They will ask who was driving, whether they had a valid license, and may guide you through the claims process. Before sending the car for repairs, discuss with your friend how to share the repair costs or responsibility. Reflect on this experience—be more cautious when lending your car in the future, perhaps by adding temporary driver insurance to avoid similar troubles. Lending your car carries risks, so weigh friendship against protecting your vehicle and be more careful moving forward.
