Chat with us!
Skip to content
Avail Car Sharing, Protected by Allstate Logo.
  • What is car sharing?
  • Borrow a carExpand
    • Chicago
    • Denver
    • Drivers under 25
  • Share my carExpand
    • Insurance by Allstate
  • BlogExpand
    • Cost of ownership calculator
Avail Car Sharing, Protected by Allstate Logo.

Car sharing protected by Allstate insurance

If you’ve borrowed or shared a car, you’ve probably wondered how insurance on these vehicles works. Who is responsible for auto coverage in the event of an accident? Do you need to buy extra protection for your trip?

When you share or borrow a car with Avail, you have access to Allstate insurance coverage and other protection plans. For borrowers, this coverage is excess over any other insurance, like your car insurance policy. Additional fees may apply. Let’s talk more about the coverage available and the peace of mind we offer to vehicle owners and borrowers.

What is car sharing insurance?

Car sharing insurance is a different type of auto insurance. It helps pay for property damage and bodily injury done to third parties that car sharing customers may be liable for during their scheduled trips.

Car sharing insurance for borrowers

During a trip, Avail’s car sharing insurance provided by Allstate covers $100,000 in liability coverage or their state’s minimum requirement (whichever is higher). This coverage is excess over any other insurance that a borrower has. Additional fees for insurance and protection may apply at checkout. At Avail, a $500 fee is applied if any damage is found to the Avail car after your trip, but anything above that Avail will cover.

Car sharing insurance for owners

Avail’s car sharing insurance offers peace of mind that your vehicle is protected while it’s outside your possession and used by a borrower. Our Allstate insurance policy kicks in as soon as you leave your vehicle with Avail*. Owners receive up to $1 million in primary liability coverage. All vehicles are inspected prior to borrowing and then after each trip. This helps us ensure we return each car to its owner in the same condition it was dropped off in.

If there’s noticeable damage after a trip, we file a claim on the owner’s behalf and coordinate repairs. The insurer may reach out to the borrower to gather details about the claim, but owners never pay anything in the rare case their car is damaged.

*Avail owners are required to have collision and comprehensive coverage on their personal policy (Avail Plus owners are exempt from this requirement). All owners, including owners with Avail Plus status, are responsible for meeting their state’s minimum insurance coverage requirements.

What if something unexpected happens?

When the unexpected comes up, we facilitate the entire claims process and keep you updated on what happens next.

What if I’m in an accident while driving an Avail car?

1
Call Avail’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance

We pick up the Avail car and get you to a safe location.

2
We help you file a claim

‍We assist you during the process and will file a claim for you. As part of Avail’s terms of service, you will pay $500 if damage is found after your trip, and a claim may be filed on your personal auto policy.

3
We get you back on the road

‍We set you up with a new vehicle so you can get back to your trip.

What if my car is in an accident while shared on Avail?

1
We will inform you

We will contact you to let you know how and where your car is damaged. If you notice undocumented damage, text Avail support at 888-510-3845 to let us know.

2
We contact the insurance company

‍We work with the responsible party’s insurance company to document the accident and file an insurance claim so that your car can get repaired. We will cover alternate transportation if you need it.

3
Cost estimate and repair

‍The insurance company will assess how much repairs will cost and start fixing your car. You will never be financially responsible for any damage to your car, but we do need your permission to make any repairs.

4
Claims follows up

An insurance claims adjuster will keep you informed about the status of your car and claim. If you have any questions, contact your adjuster directly or text Avail support at 888-510-3845.

5
You get paid

The insurance company will handle direct payment to the owner of the car. If you don’t fully own the car, the insurance company works with your financial institution or lienholder.

6
We get your car back

‍Avail will work with the insurance company to get your car back to you so you can start sharing it again if you’d like.

What if something unexpected happens?

When the unexpected comes up, we facilitate the entire claims process and keep you updated on what happens next.

What if I’m in an accident while driving an Avail car?

1

Call Avail’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance

We pick up the Avail car and get you to a safe location.

2

We help you file a claim

We assist you during the process and will file a claim for you. As part of Avail’s terms of service, you will pay $500 if damage is found after your trip, and a claim may be filed on your personal auto policy.

3

We get you back on the road

‍We set you up with a new vehicle so you can get back to your trip.

What if my car is in an accident while shared on Avail?

1

We will inform you

We will contact you to let you know how and where your car is damaged. If you notice undocumented damage, text Avail support at 888-510-3845 to let us know.

2

We contact the insurance company

We work with the responsible party’s insurance company to document the accident and file an insurance claim so that your car can get repaired. We will cover alternate transportation if you need it.

3

Cost estimate and repair

‍The insurance company will assess how much repairs will cost and start fixing your car. You will never be financially responsible for any damage to your car, but we do need your permission to make any repairs.

4

Claims follows up

An insurance claims adjuster will keep you informed on the status of your car and claim. If you have any questions, contact your adjuster directly or text Avail support at 888-510-3845.

5

You get paid

‍The insurance company will handle direct payment to the owner of the car. If you don’t fully own the car, the insurance company works with your financial institution or lienholder.

6

We get your car back

‍Avail will work with the insurance company to get your car back to you so you can start sharing it again if you’d like.

Why car sharing insurance is important

Car sharing insurance is an essential tool for protecting both borrowers and vehicle owners. It offers peace of mind for car owners that their investment will be protected, even when it’s being used by a borrower. When you borrow a vehicle through a car sharing service, proper coverage lets you know you will be protected if a car accident occurs while the vehicle is in your possession.

For car borrowers

Car sharing insurance is additional protection for borrowers who may not have coverage from a personal auto policy. Avail charges an insurance fee to borrowers to cover the cost of managing our insurance policy and facilitating repairs, but this fee can be waived with valid proof of personal auto insurance. Without proper liability insurance, borrowers could be personally liable for property damages or injuries due to an accident or collision. For questions about whether your personal auto policy or credit card policy may apply, please contact your insurance or credit card provider.

For car owners

Car owners often purchase car sharing insurance when using their vehicles for commercial purposes because insurance companies may not cover cars or SUVs used for Uber, Lyft or car sharing programs like Avail. It’s good for you to purchase this type of coverage for the following reasons:

  • Protection against financial liability if your car is
    part of an accident with property damage or injury
    to another party.
  • Coverage of damage or loss to your vehicle caused
    by an accident, theft or non-collision incident.
  • Higher coverage limits than your existing regular
    auto insurance policy.

At Avail, this coverage is provided for you. For questions about whether your personal auto policy may apply, please contact your insurance provider.

24/7 customer support & assistance

We’re always here if you have questions or concerns about insurance, using Avail or sharing your car. Text us at 888-510-3845.

Sharing your car shouldn’t be complicated. Neither should trusting that you have the right insurance coverage to protect your vehicle. With Avail, you can be confident that your vehicle is protected during every step of the car sharing process, whether as a borrower or owner.

Tips for staying safe while car sharing

Car sharing is gaining in popularity, but it’s vital to remember safety when participating in this service. The following tips are good to keep in mind when sharing your vehicle or driving a borrowed car:

Check the vehicle before you drive it.

Avail inspects all cars when they enter the lot to make sure we’re aware of any issues. However, not all companies do this. Before you get behind the wheel of a car, walk around to inspect it, then turn it on. Check for damage and make sure the tires, brakes and headlights are in working order.

Follow all traffic laws.

Always obey traffic laws and practice safe driving habits when car sharing. If you’re new to an area, research the local traffic rules to ensure you’re aware of any differences, such as HOV lane requirements and street parking rules.

Pay attention to your surroundings.

Remain alert when you’re driving or parking in an unfamiliar area. Use common sense and trust your instincts if something seems odd.

Always wear a seatbelt.

Make sure you and your passengers always wear a seatbelt while you’re in the car.


Keep your personal belongings safe.

If you’re sharing your vehicle, remove all personal belongings. Double check the glove box, seatback pockets and door compartments. Don’t leave items in the car if you’re renting a vehicle. Lock all doors and windows when you leave the car.



Use your phone responsibly.

Don’t use your phone while driving; only check it when necessary to navigate to your destination. Follow all local laws surrounding phone use while behind the wheel, including hands-free devices and electronics.

Collect third-party information in an accident.

In the event of an accident in a rental car, after necessary emergency services are called, be sure to collect the insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident. This could save you from having to pay for some or all of the costs to repair the vehicle you were driving.

Tips for staying safe while car sharing

Car sharing is gaining in popularity, but it’s vital to remember safety when participating in this service. The following tips are good to keep in mind when sharing your vehicle or driving a borrowed car:

Check the vehicle before you drive it.

Avail inspects all cars when they enter the lot to make sure we’re aware of any issues. However, not all companies do this. Before you get behind the wheel of a car, walk around to inspect it, then turn it on. Check for damage and make sure the tires, brakes and headlights are in working order.

Follow all traffic laws.

Always obey traffic laws and practice safe driving habits when car sharing. If you’re new to an area, research the local traffic rules to ensure you’re aware of any differences, such as HOV lane requirements and street parking rules.

Pay attention to your surroundings.

Remain alert when you’re driving or parking in an unfamiliar area. Use common sense and trust your instincts if something seems odd.

Always wear a seatbelt.

Make sure you and your passengers always wear a seatbelt while you’re in the car.


Keep your personal belongings safe.

If you’re sharing your vehicle, remove all personal belongings. Double check the glove box, seatback pockets and door compartments. Don’t leave items in the car if you’re renting a vehicle. Lock all doors and windows when you leave the car.


Use your phone responsibly.

Don’t use your phone while driving; only check it when necessary to navigate to your destination. Follow all local laws surrounding phone use while behind the wheel, including hands-free devices and electronics.

Collect third-party information in an accident.

In the event of an accident in a rental car, after necessary emergency services are called, be sure to collect the insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident. This could save you from having to pay for some or all of the costs to repair the vehicle you were driving.

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve never thought about car sharing insurance, you might have questions about it. Whether you’re a borrower or a vehicle owner, we have the answers to your car sharing questions.

General

Car sharing insurance is a specific type of auto coverage that provides protection for borrowers and owners who use car sharing companies. Avail’s car sharing insurance is offered with every trip.

Each car sharing service has its own rules, but you will commonly need to contact the company’s customer service for further information. If you’re borrowing with Avail, contact our 24/7 roadside assistance team. We will start the process of filing the insurance claim and notify the car owner. If you carry personal auto insurance coverage, then a claim may be filed with your carrier, which we can also begin on your behalf. 

If you’re the vehicle owner, you won’t pay anything for damages incurred during the accident. If you’re the borrower, you will need to pay a $500 damage fee.

For borrowers

This is a fee Avail charges to manage our commercial auto policy that extends protection to you while you are on a trip. Avail is not selling you an insurance policy and this fee is not reflective of our insurance premiums. While you are on your trip, Avail provides state minimum liability insurance coverage and will cover the cost of damage to the Avail car in excess of $500. Avail’s insurance is always excess over any other applicable insurance that may exist.

As a courtesy, we will waive this fee if you provide valid proof of personal auto insurance prior to the start of your booking.

Avail may waive the insurance fee if you provide valid insurance information at checkout. You will be asked to share a picture of your insurance ID card to prove your policy is active and that you are listed as an insured driver. Avail may not waive the fee if there are known car sharing coverage policy exclusions with your insurer. In general, our insurance is excess over any other applicable insurance that may exist.

For questions about whether your personal auto insurance applies, contact a licensed agent or your insurance provider.

Contact our 24/7 roadside assistance team. We will start the process of filing the insurance claim and notify the car owner. If you carry personal auto insurance coverage, then a claim may be filed with your carrier, which we can also begin on your behalf. 

If you’re the vehicle owner, you won’t pay anything for damages incurred during the accident. If you’re the borrower, you will need to pay a $500 damage fee.

If damage is found on the vehicle after your trip, you will be responsible for a $500 damage fee.

Effective June 20, 2022, Avail’s insurance is excess over any other coverage that may exist (i.e. your personal auto policy or a credit card policy). If those policies pay to repair the damage, then they may have different deductibles that apply.

For questions about whether your personal auto policy or credit card policy may apply, please contact your insurance provider or a licensed insurance agent.

Since Avail’s coverage is always excess (secondary) over any other insurance that might exist, it is possible that other policies, such as your personal auto policy or a credit card policy, will cover any damage to the vehicle that might have occurred during your trip.

Don’t stress if you don’t have other insurance or your personal policy will not cover you on your Avail trip! Allstate’s insurance will provide coverage in that case.

For questions about whether your personal auto policy or credit card policy may apply, please contact your insurance provider or a licensed insurance agent.

For owners

Avail has a best in class auto policy to cover your car while car sharing.  This policy requires customers who are not a part of the Avail Plus long-term sharing program to have physical damage coverage on the car to get coverage. If you are part of Avail Plus, our policy drops that requirement. Regardless of whether you’re sharing long-term or not, your state may require proof of coverage and may not accept Avail’s policy. You should speak to your insurance agent about your state’s laws since you are responsible for meeting those.

Avail inspects your car when you drop it off, including taking photos and a video. We then inspect your car after every trip to capture any damage and ensure your car is quickly repaired if damaged.

Once we find damage, we will start the process of filing the insurance claim and notify the car owner. If the borrower carries personal auto insurance coverage, then a claim may be filed with their carrier. From there, we’ll work with you to make repairs and provide you alternative transportation if needed while your car is being fixed. 

Car owners are never financially responsible for a deductible while sharing and Avail will not file a claim on your personal auto policy.

Contact Avail. We will work with the insurance companies and yourself to get the damage inspected and, if it occurred while car sharing, repaired.

It is possible that you will need to work with the insurance company for the responsible party if your car is damaged. As the owner of the car, other insurance companies may need to contact you to authorize repairs or payment.

Read more
Avail Car Sharing, protected by Allstate Logo
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok

Company

Careers
Newsroom
Trust & safety

Locations

Chicago
Denver

Car sharing

Share my car
Insurance by Allstate
LAZ subscribers
Reviews & testimonials

Resources

Car sharing FAQs
Affiliate program
Promotions

Support

Contact us
Help Center

Subscribe to learn more about Avail.

Copyright © 2023 ANIHI. All rights reserved. • Privacy • Terms • Sitemap • Accessibility

Google Play Icon
App Store Icon
Welcome to Avail

Borrow a Car


Share My Car

Get Help

Login

Sign Up

  • What is car sharing?
  • Borrow a car
    • Chicago
    • Denver
    • Drivers under 25
  • Share my car
    • Insurance by Allstate
  • Blog
    • Cost of ownership calculator