Excluded Drivers In Ontario Car Accident Claims

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As a general rule, your car insurance covers you and anyone living in your household who might occasionally use vehicles insured under the policy. Insurance companies routinely ask people applying for coverage to list the licensed drivers residing in the household. Premiums are set based upon factors including age and driving record of the drivers disclosed to the insurer. If you have someone living with you with a poor driving record, it could increase the cost of your liability insurance.

Who is covered under your car insurance?

Your car insurance provides coverage in the event you are in an accident. Insurance companies agree to provide a lawyer to defend any claim filed against you by a party suffering personal injuries or property damage. The company also agrees to pay claims in the event it is determined the damages suffered by the other party were caused by your negligence or reckless behaviour.

The coverageprovided by your insurance company extends to anyone in your household using vehicles insured under the policy. It also insures people outside of your home if they are using a car or other vehicle you own with your permission. For instance, if your neighbour’s car is in the shop for repairs and he or she borrows your car to get to work, your insurance would cover your neighbour in the event of an accident. It would also provide coverage if an injured person made a claim for compensation against you and your neighbour

The effect of a bad driving record on your insurance rates

The individuals listed as licensed drivers in your household could have a negative effect on the cost of your car insurance. Insurers routinely evaluate the accident risk of each driver who might be operating your vehicle. Factors that could cause an insurance company to raise the rates you pay include the following:

• Record of convictions for traffic violations
• Accident history
• DUI convictions
• License suspensions or revocations

It is possible to exclude a person in your household from being covered under your insurance in order to prevent his or her driving record or other factors from influencing your insurance rates.

Excluded drivers

Car owners in Ontario have the right to ask for an excluded driver endorsement to exclude someone from being insured under a policy. Both you and the driver to be excluded from coverage must sign the endorsement for it to be effective.

Signing the endorsement means you agree not to allow the excluded driver to operate your vehicle. The excluded driver agrees not to drive vehicles insured under the policy and acknowledges understanding that no liability coverage is provided in the event the person violates the agreement.

If someone in your household who is excluded under your insurance coverage has an accident while driving a vehicle you own, both of you could be sued by anyone injured in an accident. Your insurance company can refuse coverage if the excluded driver operated the vehicle with your permission.

Personal injury lawyers for excluded driver claims

If you are injured in an accident caused by an excluded driver, you need experienced personal injury lawyers to pursue an uninsured motorist claim or a claim against other responsible parties. The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience handling all types of personal injury cases. Their goal is to secure for youthe compensation you need to be able to recover from the injuries and move on with your life.Contact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.