What happens if you crash a car on a test drive?
Here’s a detailed list of what happens if you crash a car on a test drive:
Insurance Coverage
Most dealerships carry insurance policies that cover accidents that occur during test drives. This typically includes damage to the vehicle and any injuries resulting from the accident. Buyers may also be covered under the dealership’s policy or their own insurance.
Example: If you crash a car during a test drive, the dealership’s insurance will likely handle repairs to the vehicle and any medical expenses for injuries sustained.
Liability Assessment
Liability for the accident will be determined based on the circumstances. If the crash was due to the buyer’s negligence or reckless driving, they might be liable for some or all of the damages. However, if it was due to a mechanical failure or another party’s fault, liability could shift accordingly.
Example: If you crash due to a mechanical issue that was not evident during the test drive, the dealership might be held responsible for the repairs.
Police and Legal Issues
Depending on the severity of the accident, the police may be involved to assess the scene and determine if any citations or legal actions are necessary. This can include filing a police report and potentially facing legal consequences if laws were broken.
Example: In cases of serious accidents, police may investigate to determine fault and issue citations if traffic laws were violated.
Impact on Purchase Negotiations
A crash during a test drive can affect the buyer’s decision to purchase the vehicle. It may lead to negotiations on the price, especially if repairs are needed or if there’s a loss of confidence in the vehicle’s condition.
Example: After a crash, a buyer might negotiate a lower price to compensate for the perceived diminished value of the car.
Dealership Procedures
Dealerships typically have procedures in place for handling accidents during test drives. This involves documenting the incident, coordinating repairs, and ensuring that all parties involved are informed about next steps.
Example: After a crash, the dealership will document the damage, provide estimates for repairs, and communicate with their insurance company and the buyer about the resolution process.
Personal Injury Claims
If there are injuries from the crash, either to the buyer, passengers, or others involved, personal injury claims may come into play. This involves seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Example: If someone is injured during a test drive accident, they may file a personal injury claim against the responsible party (example: the dealership or another driver).
These points outline the typical procedures and considerations involved when a car is crashed during a test drive in the United States.
Interesting real-life facts
Here are some interesting real-life facts related to crashing a car on a test drive in the United States:
- Celebrity Crash:
In 2017, football star Michael Bennett took a test drive in a Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and ended up crashing it. The dealership’s insurance covered the damages, but the incident became a notable example of how even celebrities can face mishaps during test drives.
- Dealership Protocols:
Some high-end car dealerships, particularly those selling luxury or performance vehicles, require prospective buyers to sign waivers acknowledging that they will be liable for damages if they crash the car due to reckless or negligent driving. This helps protect the dealership from significant losses.
- Test Drive Etiquette:
Test drives are usually limited to a certain distance and duration. For example, some dealerships restrict test drives to 10-15 miles and about 30 minutes to minimize the risk of accidents. This is especially true for high-value cars.
- Insurance Investigations:
When a test drive accident occurs, the insurance investigation can be quite thorough. Investigators will review the dealership’s maintenance records, the buyer’s driving history, and the exact conditions of the crash to determine liability and coverage.
- Multiple Incidents:
In some rare cases, dealerships have experienced multiple crashes of the same model within a short period. For instance, a particular BMW dealership reported several crashes of the M3 model, prompting them to revise their test drive policies and implement stricter guidelines.
- High-Speed Test Drives:
Some high-performance car manufacturers offer controlled test drive experiences on racetracks to prevent accidents on public roads. This allows potential buyers to fully experience the car’s capabilities in a safe environment, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Example: Porsche and BMW often offer such experiences at their respective driving centers, where buyers can test the limits of cars like the 911 or M4 without endangering themselves or others on public roads.
- Accidental Sales Boost:
Interestingly, in some cases, a crash during a test drive has led to an unexpected boost in sales for certain models. The news coverage and public interest generated by the incident can increase awareness and curiosity about the vehicle, leading to more test drives and, ultimately, more sales.
Example: A minor fender-bender involving a Tesla Model 3 during a test drive in a busy urban area led to increased foot traffic at the dealership, with curious customers wanting to learn more about the car.
These anecdotes and facts highlight the diverse range of experiences and outcomes associated with test drive accidents, showcasing the unique nature of the automotive world.
