At some point when reviewing your auto coverage, you may have come across the term “excluded drivers.” An excluded driver is someone who is not covered under the policy and is therefore not permitted to drive the insured vehicle.
Unfortunately, however, that doesn’t always stop them from getting behind the wheel. And if they happen to cause an accident when they do? It’s much like an uninsured motorist causing a crash.
If you were hit by an excluded driver or your own vehicle was involved in a collision while someone excluded from your policy was driving it, you’re probably wondering what happens next. To give you some clarity, here are the answers to a few FAQs on the subject:
1: What is an excluded driver?
An excluded driver is someone who is specifically excluded from coverage under an insurance policy. This means that if the excluded driver gets behind the wheel of the insured vehicle, any accidents that occur will not be covered by the insurance carrier.
2: Who can be an excluded driver?
An insurance company may exclude anyone from coverage if they believe the individual presents an unacceptable risk. This could be due to a history of accidents, traffic violations, or other factors that make the individual a high-risk driver. In some cases, an excluded driver may be a young or inexperienced driver who has not yet established a safe driving record.
3. What happens if an excluded driver causes an accident?
If an excluded driver causes an accident, the insurance policy will not cover any damages that result. This means the excluded driver will be personally responsible for any losses or legal fees that arise from the accident.
4. Can an excluded driver still be held liable for an accident?
Yes, an excluded driver can be liable for any losses that result from an accident. Since the insurance carrier will not be covering the damages, the excluded driver will likely have to handle them out-of-pocket.
5: Can an excluded driver ever drive the insured vehicle?
No, an excluded driver is never allowed to drive the insured vehicle. If an excluded driver gets behind the wheel, they are doing so at their own risk and without the protection of the insurance policy.
6: What should you do if you are an excluded driver and need to drive the insured vehicle?
If you are an excluded driver and need to drive the insured vehicle, it’s important to speak with the policyholder and insurance company to explore alternative options. In some cases, it may be possible to add the excluded driver to the policy, but this will depend on the specifics of the policy and the insurance company’s rules.
7: Can excluded drivers get their own car insurance policy?
Yes, excluded drivers can get their own car insurance policy. However, their status as an excluded driver on a previous policy may make it difficult to find affordable coverage.
8: What can a policyholder do if they want to exclude a driver from their policy?
If a policyholder wants to exclude a driver from their policy, they should speak with their insurance company and provide the necessary documentation to make the change. It’s important to note that once a driver is excluded, they can never drive the insured vehicle under any circumstances. Never ever let an excluded driver drive your car or you could be held liable for their negligence!
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