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Borrowing a Car

3/11/2015

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I’m borrowing my friend’s car … am I covered?  

Most people have an idea of what’s covered and not covered under their various insurance policies. But at ALINK Insurance Services, we get a lot of questions about borrowing or loaning a car.

Now that spring is drawing near, you might be looking to borrow your neighbor’s truck for a home-improvement project or a trip to the local donation center or landfill after a deep spring cleaning (my favorite). So let us provide you with a little more information!
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With five kids, you collect STUFF over the years (as I'm sure anyone with children can relate). A routine Goodwill haul after a good deep clean helps keep things in order.
Generally, insurance coverage follows the vehicle rather than the driver. So in most instances, as long as the owner of the car has insurance, it’s covered even if someone other than the owner is driving it — as long as they have the owner’s permission.

The borrower’s insurance is considered secondary, meaning that in the event of an accident, it could apply if the owner’s insurance is insufficient to fully cover the damage.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to what is called “permissive use” coverage. For example, permission must be given by the owner, unless the borrower has a reasonable belief that they are allowed to use the car. However, the borrower cannot give permission to someone else. So if your teenager allows one of his or her friends to drive your car to lunch one day, your coverage likely won’t apply. 

Coverage might also be denied if the borrower operates the vehicle in a negligent or criminal manner. And if the borrower is using your car for business purposes, your personal auto policy likely won’t cover that.

If you have a regular long-term arrangement to either borrow or lend a car, the borrower should probably be added to the owner’s personal auto policy. Those who don’t own a car, but often borrow one, might also consider “named non-owner coverage,” an endorsement that provides bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorists coverage and more.

Ultimately, it’s usually safe to loan your friend your car for occasional errands or projects. And the same goes for borrowing a car. Just make sure it’s for “normal” use. You’ll want to confirm that the car has coverage and that your insurance, whether you’re the owner or borrower, will apply. 


Feel free to give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services if you have any questions — after all, you don’t want to wait until after an accident to get answers! 

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

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Eat Your Fruits and Veggies - National Nutrition Month

3/3/2015

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Right there with you.

Now that we have made it a few months into 2015 and all those New Year resolutions to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle may be losing their initial “spring”, let’s bring it back during National Nutrition Month®!  The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has annually named March as National Nutrition Month® and this year’s theme is BITE INTO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

ChooseMyPlate.gov provides us with these ten tips to building a healthy meal.


1.  Make half your plate veggies and fruits
  • Fruits and vegetables are packed full of nutrients and can help to promote good health.  Look for those rich colors! Choose red, orange, and dark green vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. 

2.  Add lean protein
  • Choose protein foods like chicken, turkey, lean beef and pork, beans, or tofu.  If you’re blessed with non-picky eaters, try to make seafood the protein on your plate twice a week.

3.  Include whole grains
  • Whole grains provide more nutrients than refined grains. Look for the food labels that read, “100% whole grain” or “100% whole wheat”.  Shoot to make at least half your grains whole grains.

4.  Don’t forget the dairy
  • Fat-free or low-fat milk provide the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, just without the extra fat and calories.  If you don’t drink milk, try soymilk or incorporate fat-free or low-fat yogurt in your meal.

5.  Avoid extra fat
  • Using heavy dressings, gravies, or sauces will add fat and calories to otherwise healthy choices.  For instance, steamed broccoli is an awesome choice, but that topping of tasty cheese sauce isn’t doing you any favors.  Try other options such as a squeeze of lemon or a light sprinkling of low-fat parmesan cheese.

6.  Take your time
  • Eat slowly.  Be mindful.  Eating really fast may cause you to eat too much.

7.  Use a smaller plate
  • Use a smaller plate at meals to help with portion control.  That way you can feel that satisfaction of a finished plate without the extra, unnecessary calories.

8.  Take control of your food
  • Eat at home as often as possible.  You lose control over what you’re eating when you aren’t the one preparing it.  When you do eat out, choose healthier options such as baked instead of fried.

9.  Try new foods
  • Keep it interesting!  You may find a new favorite.

10.  Satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way
  • Indulge in a naturally sweet dessert dish – fruit! Try something like a fruit and yogurt parfait or baked apples topped with cinnamon.

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