Things Usually Excluded From Your Insurance Policy

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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Sure, it's a very unpleasant surprise to find out that your particular insurance situation is not covered when filing a claim. Exclusions from coverage vary from policy to policy and across providers. Still, there are typical exclusions you will run across in most policies, and knowing them will save you from having a lot of headache when you really need the coverage. Here are some things to look out for:

1. Insuring a teen driver

One of the most common causes for policy holder to get confused is whether or not to include a teen driver if he or she already has a driver's license. Usually, it depends on the insurance providers as some insurers don't require teens younger than 18 to be specifically mentioned in the policy even if they are driving the vehicle. However, the best option is to contact your insurance provider or agent and ask them how to proceed. In most cases, if your teen driver gets into an accident while driving your car and he's not listed in the policy, you will get covered but your policy may ultimately be voided because you didn't mention having a teen driver in your family.

2. Giving ...
... your car to a friend

In most cases, when your friend borrows your car for a ride he or she will be covered. And if they end up in an accident your car will be covered, too. However, it depends on how often this happens. If your friend uses your car on occasion, it's OK with the insurance company. But if they are using it on a regular basis and aren't living in your household, then they should be included into your insurance policy for your car to be covered in times when they are driving it.

3. Injuries to pets during accidents

In case your pet is injured or killer during the accident caused by you, the expenses won't be covered by your policy. Even in case you have collision coverage, which pays for damages to your vehicle when you're at fault, most policies have exclusion when it comes to personal property in the car, and pets are considered as personal property by the law. Still, if your pet gets hurt or killed in an accident when the other party is at fault, you may file a third-party liability claim for reimbursing the medical bills or the market value of your pet.

4. Accidents made by drivers who are not listed in the policy

Some policyholders choose to exclude a particular family member from the insurance policy because they may cause high car insurance quotes. For example teens usually have higher car insurance quotes and raise the policy's premiums when included. Family members with DUI convictions also influence the premiums negatively. However, if such a family member or any other person who is intentionally excluded from the policy and has access to your car ends up in an accident, your insurer won't pay a penny in coverage. It's your total responsibility.