Does auto insurance cover the car or the driver?

If you are going to borrow someone’s car in Lansing, IA, or if you are lending your car to a friend, you still need to know if the driver will be insured.

Is someone who is covered under one policy still covered when driving different vehicles?

At Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency, we collect information from insurance applicants such as driving history, household members, and automobile information. This is so the company insuring the family knows the patterns of the family being insured. Someone with a poor driving history may make the policy more expensive, for example.

Other drivers can still use the vehicles under the policy as long as it isn’t a regular thing. You should always inform your insurance agent if someone else is using your vehicle a lot or if other driving patterns change. During the peak of the pandemic, many drivers were able to get a break by reporting that they were no longer spending as much time driving every day because of the temporary work-from-home policies.

If a friend borrows your vehicle and there is an accident, your liability insurance will pay for property damage and for injuries to the other driver and passengers. If the amount owed goes over your policy limits, the other driver is responsible but may be able to use their own liability coverage to make up the difference. That secondary coverage would only kick in once your policy maxes out.

Schedule A Consultation Today

Even if you trust your friend, you are still taking a risk when lending your vehicle to someone in Lansing, IA. If there is an accident, you will have to report it to your insurance. If your friend is at fault, your insurance will probably have to pay. For any questions about auto insurance, please call Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency today.

4 Tips for Reducing Your Risk of an Accident

No one wants to get into an accident. They are stressful, expensive, and often result in injuries. There are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Our insurance experts at Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency in Lansing, IA is here to provide you with a guide.

Here are some tips for reducing auto accident risks:

1. Know the Roads You are Traveling On 

Lansing, IA is a small town with a lot of charm. However, that doesn’t mean that the roads are always in the best condition. Wide cracks, potholes, and even debris can all contribute to accidents. Before you head out on the roads, take a minute to familiarize yourself with them. If you know where the danger spots are, you can avoid them or at least be prepared for them. 

2. Obey All Traffic Laws 

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many accidents occur because someone ran a stop sign or red light. Pay attention to the posted speed limit and yield signs so that you can avoid getting into an accident with another driver who isn’t following the law. 

3. Watch for Pedestrians 

Lansing is a friendly town and pedestrians are often out and about. Unfortunately, that also means that they can pop up seemingly out of nowhere. Pay attention to crosswalks and areas where pedestrians might be so that you can avoid hitting them with your vehicle. 

4. Keep Your Car Maintained 

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of being in an accident is to make sure your car is well-maintained. This means regularly checking your tires, brakes, and lights and making sure they are all in good working condition. Not only will this help you avoid an accident but it will also help you avoid getting pulled over by law enforcement officers.

Get Auto Insurance for Safe Driving

Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. However, if you’re armed with an insurance policy from Kerndt Brothers Insurance Agency and follow these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Contact us today to learn more about our auto insurance policies and how we can help you stay safe on the roads.