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What happens if you wreck a car while test driving?
I’m about to start car shopping and plan to test drive quite a few vehicles. Being unfamiliar with these cars, though, I’m a little nervous. What happens if you’re in an accident while test driving a car?
Macy Fouse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Accidents can happen to anyone at any time, so that’s a valid concern! Laws concerning this scenario vary by state and circumstance. Let’s look at a few possible situations:
- If you’re taking the test drive from a dealership lot, their “fleet insurance” typically covers any minor damage incurred during the test drive, regardless of who is at fault.
- If it’s a more severe accident and you’re at fault, the dealership will usually seek out a third-party claim with your insurance company. The dealership is likely to pursue compensation for any losses, too.
- If you caused the accident while test driving and people were injured, your personal car insurance will have to cover the damages. Your policy covers the test-driving vehicle.
- If another driver caused the accident while you were test driving, you won’t be held responsible. In this case, any claims will go to the other driver’s insurance. If they aren’t insured, the dealership will have to use its fleet insurance.
A few dealerships require test drivers to sign a liability waiver for instances like these, which effectively shift all liability to the test driver. If you’re hesitant, don’t sign it. Most dealerships won’t insist because it will get in the way of a sale.
Being unfamiliar with a vehicle isn’t a valid excuse in the event of an accident, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the vehicle before hitting the road. This includes examining any gears, controls, steering, braking, and sightlines of the vehicle before taking it off the lot.
Whether or not you’re test-driving a vehicle, you need to be sure you’re adequately covered in every situation. When you shop for
car insurance
with the Jerry
app, you’re sure to find the exact policy you need at a reasonable price. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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