Expert: Richard L Carranza - 2/19/2009

Question
Hi,

I was involved in an auto accident which was my fault.  I was driving my own car. My husband is covered on my car insurance and I am on his truck insurance. I just found out the other party's medical expenses and lost wages are more than my liability coverage. Can I use my husband's liability coverage after I exhaust mine?

Thank you very much for your help.

Grace

Answer
The answer is depends........

When you are listed on another person's policy as an opeartor or resident relative that is for when you are operating a vehicle scheduled on that policy.

As a spouse or resident relative you have coverage for a "non-owned" car (as to the policy you are trying to get coverage from.. in this case your husband's policy) as long as you do not OWN the involved auto (involved in the accident).. in this case you do so you may be SOL.

Is your car listed on your husband's policy as a scheduled/listed vehicle?   If so, you may be able to use that coverage as Excess coverage above your own available coverage.  If not listed, and as above noted, you may be SOL.

Check with your agent and explain the situation and see what he/she has to say.

Take a look at your husbands's policy and read the policy language/definition(s) re Non-Owned automobile and see how it reads.

Keep the concept of owned v non-owned auto(s) clear in your head when you read the policy language..  

Hope and trust that the above helps

Get back to me with any clarifying question(s).

Please rate this response.


Thanks