“Fun Run” Anything But

The owner’s friend wrecked his car, but the owner’s policy pays the claim, his premiums go up, and possibly his policy gets cancelled

by John Draneas

Ever borrow a friend’s valuable car and worry that something bad might happen? Here’s a case where it did.

As usual after the completion of the competitive runs at a recent SCCA Solo autocross event held in the paddock at Portland International Raceway, the course was opened up for “fun runs.” The owner of this autocross-prepared Porsche GT3 offered it for a fun run to his Corvette-driving buddy, who jumped at the chance. The friend missed the last turn and went off-course, collecting three parked cars in the process. Luckily, no one was injured. But only a few minutes before, the owners of the parked cars were changing wheels, and it could have been a disaster.

Let’s take a look at who might get stuck with the repair bills here.

The owner gave his permission

Assuming that both the owner and the driver carried auto insurance,...