Summary
* Allowing an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle can lead to significant financial and legal repercussions, *including liability for damages and potential criminal charges. Insurance policies generally do not cover accidents involving unlicensed drivers, which means you could be held responsible for any resulting property damage and injuries. Letting someone with a suspended or nonexistent license use your car can have serious consequences, such as fines and lawsuits.
Accidents Involving Unlicensed Drivers
There are nearly 100 million cars in the U.S., and while car ownership rates have been steadily declining over the years, a valid state-issued driver’s license is still mandatory for legal driving on public roads. However, many individuals continue to drive with expired or suspended licenses. If you permit someone without a license to drive your car and they get into an accident, what are the implications?
According to AAA, around seven million unlicensed drivers are currently on U.S. roads. While they represent about 3% of all drivers, they are involved in a disproportionately high number of accidents and fatalities. Nearly 20% of fatal accidents include an unlicensed driver, raising risks for everyone on the road.
Unlicensed drivers often fall into several categories: they may be too young to obtain a license, have failed the licensing exam, or lack the necessary documentation. This demographic tends to be inexperienced, immature, and more prone to making poor decisions, leading to a higher incidence of crashes. Unlicensed teen drivers, in particular, are more likely to exhibit reckless behavior than their licensed counterparts. Even those with learner’s permits may not be authorized to drive independently.
Additionally, some immigrants may drive without a valid U.S. license, despite being experienced drivers in their home countries. These individuals may be unfamiliar with American driving laws, which can pose a danger to other motorists.
Another group of unlicensed drivers includes those who have lost their driving privileges due to traffic violations, DUI convictions, or specific medical conditions. Drunk driving claims about 11,000 lives annually, often involving drivers with previous DUI records. Allowing someone with a suspended license to operate your vehicle can lead to accidents, lawsuits, and potential criminal charges.
What to Do If an Unlicensed Driver Hits You
If you’re in an accident involving an unlicensed and uninsured driver, it’s crucial to notify your car insurance company immediately. In no-fault states like Michigan, the status of the other driver’s license is irrelevant because each driver recovers from their own insurer. In other states, you may be able to recover damages through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Typical car accident settlements may cover medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and rental car costs. It’s essential to review your coverage with your insurer and consider consulting a personal injury attorney to discuss the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the unlicensed driver or another responsible party.
What Happens If You Let an Unlicensed Driver Use Your Car?
Most insurance policies provide coverage for individuals you permit to drive your vehicle, known as “permissive use.” However, if you allow an unlicensed driver to use your car, insurance typically will not cover any damages they cause. As a result, you may be held personally liable for any damage, including injuries to others and property damage.
Is it illegal to let an unlicensed driver operate your vehicle? Yes, allowing someone without a valid license to drive your car is generally against the law and can have serious ramifications, including potential criminal charges.
Leaving your car running while you run errands or leaving the keys in the vehicle can increase the risk of unauthorized use by unlicensed drivers. Such actions can expose you to liability if an unlicensed individual drives your car and gets into an accident.
What Happens If an Unlicensed Driver Crashes Your Car After Stealing It
Car theft and carjacking are prevalent issues in the U.S., with over a million vehicles reported stolen in 2023. If an unlicensed driver crashes your car after stealing it, are you responsible?
Generally, a car owner is not criminally or civilly liable if their vehicle is stolen and subsequently involved in an accident. You won’t face criminal charges or lawsuits for damages caused by joyriders unless your negligence contributed to the crime. To protect yourself, file a police report immediately after the theft to demonstrate that the vehicle was taken without your permission.
Picking Up the Pieces After a Crash
You might be concerned about potential increases in your car insurance rates following an accident. Unfortunately, this is a possibility. Insurance companies consider various factors, including your claim history, accident rates, and crime statistics in your area when determining your premiums. An accident with an unlicensed driver or a vehicle theft can lead to higher perceived risks and increased rates.
Additionally, if your car is totaled in an accident, you may need to purchase a new one. A new vehicle often has a higher value than an older model, leading to increased premiums. Furthermore, auto lenders usually require full coverage collision insurance to safeguard their investment, which tends to have much higher premiums than liability-only or no-fault coverage. Think carefully before allowing someone without a valid license to take the wheel.
