In Mexico, traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death, leaving thousands of victims each year. According to INEGI data, more than 4,800 fatalities and 90,000 injuries were recorded in 2023 due to road accidents. Despite these alarming numbers, only 33% of private vehicles are insured in 2024, according to the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS). But what happens if someone else drives your car and crashes? Does your insurance cover it?
WHO PAYS IF SOMEONE ELSE CRASHES YOUR CAR? 🚗💥
If you lent your car and the person driving it got into an accident, the insurance can respond in different ways, depending on the responsibility and your policy:
- If the other driver is responsible 🛑: Their insurance company must cover material damage and medical expenses.
- If the driver of your car is responsible ⚠️: It will depend on whether your policy is comprehensive. If it is, it will cover your car’s material damage and medical expenses for the occupants, as long as the driver has a valid license.
WHAT IF YOU CRASH SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR? 🚘❌
Some insurance companies offer Civil Liability Extension, a coverage that protects you if you cause damage to third parties while driving a car that isn’t yours, as long as it is of a similar type and use and the vehicle does not have its own insurance.
THE PROS AND CONS OF INSURANCE IN THESE CASES ⚖️
THE GOOD ✅
- Protection against unexpected incidents regardless of who is driving.
- Reduced expenses in case of an expensive accident.
- Civil Liability coverage protects against legal claims.
THE BAD ❌
- Some insurance companies exclude drivers who are not the policyholder.
- It is common to require a high deductible.
- If the driver doesn’t have a valid license, the policy might not apply.
DON’T GET CAUGHT UNPROTECTED! 🏁
If you’re in an accident, follow these steps:
✅ Stay calm and check for injuries.
📞 Call your insurance company and provide the details of the accident.
⛔ Do not make any agreements with anyone before the adjuster arrives.
🚔 Notify the authorities if necessary.
CONCLUSION 🏆
Having the right insurance can make the difference between a simple procedure and a financial disaster. Before lending your car or driving someone else’s, review your policy’s conditions and make sure you’re covered for any eventuality. Insurance is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! 🔑
