Non-Owner Car Insurance in AZ for a learning driver?
June 10, 2011 3:34 PM Subscribe
YANML, but what's the situation for non-owner car insurance in Arizona? How can I minimize liability for both myself and a non-family member if she, a new driver on a learner's permit, is operating my vehicle?
A friend of mine just got her learner's permit (in her late 20s) in Phoenix, AZ. She's never driven before, aside from bicycles, golf carts and personal watercraft. She'll need to drive with another driver in the car for 30 hours before she can get her full license. She does not own, and does not plan to own, her own vehicle, nor to drive particularly frequently.
Some of her friends, myself included, are willing to let her drive our vehicles with us, for the learner's permit required hours, but I'm worried about liability for damage to my vehicle/caused with my vehicle if she's driving.
I carry comprehensive+collision with maxed out coverage but a high deductible. What do I need to be aware of to make sure both our health and my car (and our friends' cars) are covered while she's learning? What questions do I need to ask my insurance company? Does she need non-owner car insurance for this kind of use?
A friend of mine just got her learner's permit (in her late 20s) in Phoenix, AZ. She's never driven before, aside from bicycles, golf carts and personal watercraft. She'll need to drive with another driver in the car for 30 hours before she can get her full license. She does not own, and does not plan to own, her own vehicle, nor to drive particularly frequently.
Some of her friends, myself included, are willing to let her drive our vehicles with us, for the learner's permit required hours, but I'm worried about liability for damage to my vehicle/caused with my vehicle if she's driving.
I carry comprehensive+collision with maxed out coverage but a high deductible. What do I need to be aware of to make sure both our health and my car (and our friends' cars) are covered while she's learning? What questions do I need to ask my insurance company? Does she need non-owner car insurance for this kind of use?
Please please check with someone more knowledgeable than me, however...
I seem to remember this funny thing about car insurance, like how insurance companies want to raise your rates if someone other than you is driving your vehicle and if you call them and ask they will play games, BUT, I think that is against the law. If your car is insured, it's insured no matter who is behind the wheel.
It's good this student driver does not share your address, as I think that is a factor in the equation.
Research the insurance laws for your state, probably on a .gov website for Arizona.
I know this because a long ago ex owned an insurance company. YMMV. It's been years, and laws may have changed.
posted by jbenben at 5:34 PM on June 10, 2011
I seem to remember this funny thing about car insurance, like how insurance companies want to raise your rates if someone other than you is driving your vehicle and if you call them and ask they will play games, BUT, I think that is against the law. If your car is insured, it's insured no matter who is behind the wheel.
It's good this student driver does not share your address, as I think that is a factor in the equation.
Research the insurance laws for your state, probably on a .gov website for Arizona.
I know this because a long ago ex owned an insurance company. YMMV. It's been years, and laws may have changed.
posted by jbenben at 5:34 PM on June 10, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Your friend should get what's called a "named non-owner" policy. This means she will have her own liability coverage when she drives, though you and other friends who lend cars may still be on the hook for collision/comprehensive. Normally, NNO policies do not offer coverage to the vehicle one is driving, just liability to the vehicle one hits.
Please contact an agent (independent or captive) in person for this one - it's way too easy to screw up if you try and do it over the phone.
You may also wish to add your friend to your policy as an "additional listed driver", but it is far better from a liability perspective that she have her own policy. Plus, hers should be fairly cheap.
Your insurance will pay for collision/comprehensive to your car no matter who's driving, but you're still on the hook for the deductible, as you seem to know.
If you have more questions, follow up - I know lots about this stuff.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 4:39 PM on June 10, 2011