No, an insurance company cannot add a driver without your permission.
The majority of states grant you the authority to accept or reject any driver who will be protected by your policy.
If your insurance provider includes a driver without your assent, you can terminate the policy and look for a different insurer.
You might also have the option to lodge a grievance with the insurance department of the state.
There are exceptions to this regulation. For example, if the driver is your spouse or partner and you live together, the insurance provider may add them to the policy without your explicit consent.
Similarly, if the driver is your underage child and you are their legal guardian, the insurance provider may include them in the policy.
If you have worries regarding an individual being added to your insurance coverage without your agreement, you can get in touch with your insurance provider and request verification of the roster of insured drivers.
Additionally, you can ask for a copy of your policy to confirm that all the details are accurate.
How can I find out if someone has been added to my insurance policy?
To determine if someone has been included in your insurance policy, you can follow two approaches.
Firstly, you can examine your policy documents, including the policy declaration page and any amendments or modifications provided by your insurer.
These documents will indicate the individuals listed as drivers on your policy and the corresponding premiums for each driver.
Alternatively, you can directly reach out to your insurer for confirmation. This can be done through phone, email, or by visiting their website.
Request a copy of your policy or seek confirmation regarding the individuals covered under your policy.
To access your policy details and verify your identity, you may be required to provide certain personal information along with your policy number.
What if the driver who was added to my policy causes an accident?
If a driver added to your policy without your permission causes an accident, the outcome depends on whether you allowed them to use your vehicle.
If you didn’t permit them, they could be seen as a non-permissive driver, and your insurance might not cover the damages they cause.
You can dispute the claim and request a refund for any related charges.
However, if you did grant permission, they would be considered a permissive driver, and your insurance may cover the damages.
Nonetheless, you would need to file a claim with your insurer, pay a deductible, and potentially face increased rates.
If the damages exceed your policy limits, the driver’s insurance may provide secondary coverage.
What if the driver who was added to my policy has a bad driving record?
Including a driver with a poor driving record in your policy could have negative effects on your insurance rates and coverage.
The severity and type of violations can lead to increased premiums, surcharges, penalty points, or even policy cancellation.
To avoid these outcomes, you might consider excluding the driver from your policy. However, this means they won’t be covered if they cause an accident while using your vehicle.
In such cases, the driver may need their own insurance to ensure they are not driving without coverage.
Alternatively, you can assist the driver in improving their driving record. This can be achieved by enrolling them in a driver safety course, contesting questionable tickets, addressing fix-it tickets, or requesting expungement of minor violations.
These actions have the potential to reduce or eliminate penalty points and tickets from the driver’s record, thereby lowering their risk level in the eyes of insurers.
What if the driver who was added to my policy refuses to be removed?
In a scenario where an unwilling driver persists on your insurance policy, follow these measures:
- Firstly, relay the situation to your insurance provider.
- Instruct the insurer to exclude the driver from your policy.
- Should your insurer resist the driver’s removal, you have the option to terminate the policy and opt for a different insurance provider.
- There exists the potential to lodge a complaint with the respective state insurance office.
- For queries or uncertainties, legal counsel is advisable.
Here are extra guidelines to handle a persistent driver on your insurance:
- Maintain a courteous and respectful demeanor, even under the strain of a difficult driver.
- Record all occurrences meticulously, encompassing dates, times, and conversation specifics with the driver or insurance provider.
- Preserve all communication records, from emails and letters to phone call logs.
- When the issue proves insurmountable independently, pursuing legal help may be necessary.
