What Happens if an Excluded Driver Gets in an Accident?

Friday, April 26, 2024

What Happens if an Excluded Driver Gets in an Accident?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

An excluded driver is someone specifically not covered by an insurance policy. If they have an accident while driving a vehicle they’re excluded from, it could create problems for resulting claims. This is simply because the insurance might not pay for damages, which means the owner is left responsible for damages.

Legally, it could lead to lawsuits and costly expenses. Luckily, a car accident lawyer could assist you by navigating the legal process, representing your interests, and finding ways to obtain settlements.

If you have been injured in an accident involving an excluded driver, the Chicago car accident attorneys at Malman Law are ready to protect your rights to legal recovery.

What Are the Reasons for Excluding Drivers?

Most people exclude drivers to save money on insurance premiums. Insurance companies charge higher premiums when risk factors, like accidents or traffic violations, are present.

For instance, if a driver is at fault for an accident in Illinois, they may end up paying up to 53% more on insurance rates. So, by excluding high-risk drivers from the policy, the overall risk decreases, and the policyholder is awarded a lower premium.

Also, excluding drivers helps prevent a policy from being canceled altogether, which is more likely in certain scenarios. In Illinois, policies can be canceled for various reasons, including a significant increase in risk. If a high-risk driver causes multiple accidents or receives numerous traffic violations, the insurer might decide to cancel the policy to mitigate their own financial risk. By excluding high-risk drivers, therefore, policyholders can reduce the likelihood of these scenarios and maintain their insurance coverage without interruption.

Additionally, some parents or guardians opt to exclude teen drivers. It’s a way for them to deny teens driving privileges and avoid potential risks associated with inexperienced drivers.

Insurance Coverage Options After an Excluded Driver Gets in an Accident

When an excluded driver gets into an accident, it can leave the car owner in a tough spot. One option to consider is uninsured motor vehicle coverage. This type of insurance helps cover costs if the accident involves a driver who doesn’t have insurance or if the accident is a hit-and-run. It can help pay for things like medical bills and car repairs.

In Illinois, car owners are required to possess an uninsured motorist of least $50,000 per accident and  $25,000 per person. This means having uninsured motor vehicle coverage can give peace of mind, even after an accident involving an excluded driver. However, you will still need to have a legal advocate by your side. They will represent your rights properly and ensure you receive compensation that reflects your losses.

Contact an Illinois Car Accident Attorney Today

Handling a car accident involving an excluded driver can be very challenging. This is especially true if the driver causes substantial property damage or severe bodily injuries. In such cases, the legal knowledge of a personal injury attorney can not be underestimated. Our team has represented many clients in challenging situations like these and have won substantial amounts in settlements. Don’t wait any longer;  take the first step to secure your right to compensation. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.