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.*
Additionally, Avail covers the cost of damage to our vehicles in excess of $3,000. Avail’s insurance and protection plans are always excess over any other applicable insurance that may exist.
Avail includes damage protection at no cost for every trip, which covers damage done to the Avail car and is not insurance. The out-of-pocket maximum for the base protection is $3,000. Borrowers have the option of purchasing additional protection with a $500 or $1,000 out-of-pocket maximum. If the vehicle you borrow is damaged, you may be responsible for some or all of the repair costs. Unless the damage is severe, you’ll immediately be charged $500. However, the total amount you pay will range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the protection plan you chose at checkout.
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 is not selling an insurance policy when borrowers are charged the insurance fee and this fee is not reflective of Avail’s insurance policy premium.
**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?
We pick up the Avail car and get you to a safe location.
We facilitate the entire process. As part of Avail’s terms of service, you will pay $500 if damage is found after your trip.
If damage repair costs are in excess of $500, you may be charged up to the out-of-pocket max that you selected for your trip — $3000 (default), $1,000 or $500. If repairs are less than $500 or Avail is able to recoup costs from a third party, you will be refunded the difference.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Customer support
We’re here if you have questions or concerns about insurance, using Avail or sharing your car. Chat with us by clicking the button below, or text us anytime 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.
All cars are inspected 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.
