Who Pays for Repairs After a Car Accident During a Test Drive?

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you got into an car accident during a test drive? Normally, the dealership will be responsible for paying for any test drive crashes and will do so through its own insurer. However, if the test drive accident was your fault, the dealership may attempt to collect reimbursement from you.

If you were not negligent in causing the test drive accident and had clear authorization to drive the car, a dealership will generally be unable to hold you liable for any damages.

Test Drive Accident Advice:

If you are responsible for a car accident during a test drive, the dealership can try to hold you liable. Generally speaking, in these cases, your own car insurance policy would kick and pay for a test drive crash just as it would be if you got into an accident when driving a rental car. Make sure your car insurance policy includes coverage for accidents that happen when you are driving a rental car or are on a test drive.

If You are Injured in a Test Drive Crash

If there is a crash during a test drive and you are injured, there could be compensation from both insurance companies (dealership’s and the negligent party) depending on the circumstances. If the other driver was at fault, then the car accident liability rests with his auto insurance company and they would pay all damages and compensation for pain and suffering. If it is determined that in some way the test car you were are driving contributed to the test drive crash because it was faulty, the dealership’s insurance would be on the hook to compensate you for your injuries and pain and suffering. Remember to secure the names of witnesses and take pictures of the accident scene immediately after the car accident in order to substantiate your account of how the accident happened.It is a good idea to consult with a car accident attorney if you have been injured in a test drive.

Any car accident case can create legal complexities and this becomes even more true in a test drive accident where the car you are driving is not your own. If you get into a test drive accident, you should consider speaking with a car accident lawyer in your area to learn more about your rights, obligations and state law.

Case Studies: Car Accidents During Test Drives

Case Study 1: The Unforeseen Collision

During a test drive at Alpha Motors, the potential buyer, Mark, accidentally collided with another vehicle while maneuvering through a narrow street. The test drive car sustained significant damage, and the other driver’s car had minor damages. Since Mark was found at fault for the accident, Alpha Motors claimed reimbursement from his car insurance policy, which covered the damages to both vehicles.

Case Study 2: The Faulty Brakes

Sarah decided to test drive a car at Beta Autos. While driving, she noticed the brakes were not responsive, leading to a rear-end collision with another vehicle at a stop sign. Investigation revealed a mechanical issue with the test drive car’s brakes. In this case, Beta Autos’ insurance had to compensate both Sarah for her injuries and the other driver for the damages, as the dealership was liable for the car’s mechanical failure.

Case Study 3: The Misjudged Turn

During a test drive at Delta Motors, the potential buyer, Alex, misjudged a turn and hit a parked car. Since Alex was solely responsible for the accident due to driver error, his own car insurance policy covered the damages to the parked car. However, Delta Motors’ insurance had to cover the repair costs of the test drive car, as the dealership was not at fault for the accident.