Expert: Bennie719 - 5/13/2008

Question
Hello..A friend borrowed my vehicle when I was at work one day. Two weeks later I received a letter in the mail stating that I was being accused of a hit&run. There is no damage to my car so i thought nothing of it, but I called the police officer anyway. If my friend did indeed get into an "accident" what am I liable for as the registered and insured owner of the vehicle and am I liable for the hit&run that is said to have occurred. I can prove my whereabouts to a T as I was at work and the accident was said to occurred 20+ miles away..

Answer
Hi Alex,
Bummer.  Since you can prove your whereabouts at the alleged time of the accident, you will not be charged with 'hit and run'.

Since you did give your friend permission to drive the car, Your insurance company will cover any damage and injury if the accident really happened.  Many times it's difficult for a witness to accurately read a license plate number and they may have made a mistake.

Talk to your friend and then make a report to your insurance company so they can inspect and photograph your vehicle.  Your friend will need to be present when you make the insurance report because they need his information and side of the story.

If the accident actually happened and you do not carry insurance, both you and your friend will be jointly liable for any damage or injury,  Your friend is liable as the driver and you are liable as the owner.

I hope that you find this information to be of help.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area