Advances in technology have made it possible to borrow someone else’s car with the convenience of an app. This is known as car sharing. It’s a convenient way to get to your destination without the stressful aspects of car ownership, such as paying for gas, insurance, maintenance, or parking.
Car sharing services give you access to vehicles only when you need them. Some examples of car sharing services include Maven, Turo, and Getaround. These services allow you to use vehicles owned by peers instead of car rental agencies, offering a cheaper alternative. When you use these services, you can rent vehicles by the hour rather than by full days or weeks.
One thing people rarely think about is what happens if you get into an accident while car sharing. If you opt for car sharing rather than renting a car, or if you rent your car out to make some extra money, who is responsible if there is an accident? Even if the driver is obeying all the rules of the road, there is always the possibility that the vehicle will be hit by a reckless or negligent driver.
Coverage Options When Using a Car sharing Vehicle
Different car sharing companies offer different options for insurance coverage. Here are some examples of coverage choices for different car sharing companies:
- Turo – On Turo, insurance coverage is available to both the host (owner of the car) and the driver (primary guest). Turo hosts can choose between Basic, Premium, and Standard to protect their vehicle. When the host chooses Standard or Premium, primary liability coverage up to $1,000,000 is provided without a deductible. With the Basic Plan, there is a $3,000 deductible. Coverage for the primary guest is secondary to any other insurance they may have but adds supplemental liability.
- Getaround – For the duration of a rental through Getaround, drivers can choose between comprehensive, collision and liability coverage.
- Maven – Maven’s coverage is provided up to the minimum required in each state. The driver is responsible for the first $1,000 of damages.
If There Are Injuries in a Car sharing Accident
If you have been hurt in any type of car accident, get medical attention right away. A doctor should evaluate you as soon as possible to make sure you are not injured more seriously than you think you are.
Sometimes symptoms of physical injury don’t set in for a day or more after the accident. Don’t ignore seemingly minor symptoms that happen soon after an accident. They may turn out to be signs of an injury that can impact your life and your ability to work on a long-term basis.
Determining Liability
Car sharing is still a relatively new concept, and so there are some gray areas when it comes to liability. The intent of coverage for the host is to provide liability coverage so that the car is protected against theft or any physical damage. Travelers are screened to help further protect the vehicle. Coverage selected by the driver is intended to provide sufficient protection for physical damage or liability in the event of an accident.
Filing a claim for an accident in a car sharing vehicle would be like any other accident here in California. Be sure to get the other driver’s information, including their license number, name, and insurance information. It’s a good idea to take pictures at the scene of the accident, especially the license plate of the vehicle that hit the vehicle you rented. Also, take pictures of both vehicles as well as any skid marks. For more severe accidents, calling the police would be prudent.
Getting Legal Advice
If you have been injured in a California accident while in a car sharing vehicle, get legal advice from an expert in the field of personal injury law. Contact Megeredchian Law using the form on this page and we will get in touch with you to discuss your case.