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- An excluded driver is formally listed as not covered on your car insurance, even if they drive your vehicle.
- Exclusion can lower premiums by removing high‑risk drivers from your policy’s risk calculation.
- Not all insurers or states allow driver exclusions, especially within the same household.
- If an excluded driver uses your car, coverage may be denied, leaving you liable for all costs.
- Exclusion differs from removal — exclusion keeps the person on the policy but not covered; removal takes them completely off the policy.
What does excluding a driver mean?
An excluded driver is someone living in your household who is officially designated on your policy as not covered to drive your insured vehicle.
- Their name appears as excluded on the policy.
- They are not insured even if they are driving with permission.
- This differs from removing a driver — in that exclusion is a formal designation where the person stays on paper but is not covered.
This tool is sometimes offered when a household member’s driving history, age, or record would otherwise increase your premiums significantly.
How can excluding a driver lower your premium?
The risk profile of all drivers listed influences your car insurance rate. High‑risk drivers with accidents, violations or limited experience can drive up costs.
- By excluding a high‑risk driver, insurers no longer factor their history into your premium calculation, potentially lowering your rate.
- This is most often considered for teen drivers, drivers with multiple violations or those with suspended licenses.
- Some insurers won’t allow exclusions for certain household members — and some states prohibit them entirely.
If you simply remove someone because they no longer live with you or drive your car, that may also affect your premium — but that’s different from formally excluding them.
When you can (and can’t) exclude a driver
Allowed when:
- A household member is high risk and you want to lower your policy cost.
- The person no longer resides with you and doesn’t use your vehicle.
Limitations:
- Not all states allow exclusions, especially for household members of driving age.
- Some insurers require the excluded person to have their own insurance policy before they’re allowed to be excluded.
- Excluding someone while they live with you but still drive your car can leave you exposed.
Always contact your insurer to understand specific state rules and carrier policies before requesting an exclusion.
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What happens if an excluded driver uses your car?
If an excluded driver gets behind the wheel of your insured vehicle — with or without permission — your policy may deny coverage for:
- Collision or accident damage
- Liability for injuries or property damage
- Any associated claims related to that event
In other words, the excluded person is treated as uninsured, and you (or they) could be fully responsible for financial losses. This is one of the most serious implications of choosing exclusion and should be carefully weighed before you request it.
How to exclude a driver from your policy
- Contact your insurance company — exclusions can’t be done online with most carriers.
- Provide details on the person you want to exclude.
- Complete and sign the insurer’s driver exclusion form.
- The insurer will list the excluded driver on your policy with that designation.
Once excluded, the person remains excluded until you or your insurer agrees to remove that designation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Excluded drivers
What’s the difference between excluding and removing a driver?
Excluding means the person is still on your policy but not insured to drive the covered vehicles, while removing someone takes them off the policy.
Can excluding a driver always save money?
Are excluded drivers covered if they drive someone else’s car?
No. Being excluded means they have no coverage under your policy anywhere, and if they drive your car and crash, your insurer can deny all related claims.
Can I put a teen who rarely drives on my policy but still exclude them?
Exclusion isn’t recommended if someone might occasionally drive your vehicle — it could result in denied claims; alternatives like discounts for students away at school may be better.
How do I reverse an excluded driver designation?
Contact your insurer — you may request to remove the exclusion, but approval and requirements (like improved driving history) vary by company.
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