Who is Responsible for Accidents During Test Drives?

[MacDominic]

In the event of an accident during a test drive, both the test driver and the 4S store are responsible. If a collision occurs during the test drive, resulting in injury to a person or property damage, and the vehicle is uninsured, the 4S store should bear the liability within the compulsory traffic insurance limit. If the vehicle is insured, the insurance company will compensate within the mandatory third-party liability insurance limit, and the remaining losses will be shared between the test driver and the 4S store based on their respective fault. If there is evidence that the non-motor vehicle driver or pedestrian is at fault, the liability of the motor vehicle party may be appropriately reduced according to the degree of fault. If the motor vehicle party is not at fault, they will bear no more than 10% of the compensation liability. If the loss from the traffic accident is caused intentionally by the non-motor vehicle driver or pedestrian colliding with the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle party will not bear any compensation liability.

[VonKiara]

I've had a few test drive experiences at car dealerships before, and honestly, I was quite nervous, always worried about who would be responsible in case of a scratch or collision. From what I understand, in most cases, the driver bears the primary responsibility because the test drive agreement clearly states that you are responsible for safety while operating the vehicle. However, if the vehicle itself has issues, such as sudden brake failure or a tire blowout causing an accident, then the dealer might be held liable for damages. Before test driving, I always carefully read the signed document, which mentions insurance details—the dealer's insurance usually covers vehicle damage, but personal injury and third-party losses still fall on the driver. For safety, avoid peak-hour routes during test drives and drive slowly and steadily. If an accident does happen, don’t panic—contact the salesperson immediately to handle it. Overall, driving cautiously is key to avoiding trouble. When signing the agreement, review the terms carefully and clarify the insurance coverage and exclusions in advance to protect your interests.

[BrookeFitz]

I've come across quite a few test drive cases where the responsibility usually falls on the customer, as signing the agreement means accepting the risks. However, dealerships have comprehensive insurance as a safety net. If a vehicle isn't properly maintained and causes an accident—say, due to a faulty lighting system—we'll step in to handle it. The key is to thoroughly read the agreement before signing. The insurance covers partial vehicle damage, but drivers must follow the rules and drive smoothly. During test drives, stick to familiar routes and avoid pushing limits. In the unfortunate event of an accident, stay at the scene and wait for sales assistance. Safe driving is paramount—don't treat it like a racetrack. Experience shows most accidents stem from improper operation, so driving cautiously can save a lot of trouble. Don't sign the agreement carelessly.

[AdelynLynn]

From the regulations, the liability for test drive accidents mainly depends on the fault party. The driver is responsible for driving; if the dealer neglects to inspect the vehicle, such as failing to repair steering issues, they must bear responsibility. The signed agreement usually stipulates that the customer assumes the accident risk, but evidence proving vehicle defects can be used to claim compensation. In the insurance mechanism, the dealer's insurance covers vehicle damage, while the customer's insurance may compensate for personal injuries. During handling, report to the police and preserve evidence to avoid disputes.