Expert: Bennie719 - 1/28/2008

Question
I am a resident of Maryland.  My son, age 18, who received his license in the past 2 months, was driving one of my vehicles and had an accident by running a red light and another vehicle hit him.  The officer said it was my son's fault because of this.  He did not cite my son for anything and only wrote up a police report.  I have not yet added my son to my auto policy.  What would be the possible outcome if I file an insurance claim with my insurance company.  My vehicle only has liability coverage.  I'm hoping the other vehicle will be covered, but I'm afraid because my son was not yet on my policy that the insurance company will not cover the accident and that they will drop my coverage.  Any advice?

Answer
Hi Michelle,
Without question, you need to immediately report this accident to your insurance company along with the fact that your son is now a licensed driver in the household and the exact date he secured a drivers license.
Many companies give you a short 'grace' period to add new drivers to the policy.  Others stipulate that you must add a new driver at the time he receives a driving permit or on the date he secures his drivers license.
Many companies stipulate that the licensed driver in the household be named as a driver on the policy as of the date of the accident.
With such a variation of rules between companies, it's impossible to ascertain the outcome of this accident until a full report has been made to your insurance company.
I hope this has been of help.  Please send any follow up questions that may arise.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area