If an excluded driver gets in an accident, the insurance policy likely won’t cover the damages. In Texas, adding someone as an excluded driver means they’re specifically not covered under your insurance. This can leave you financially responsible for any damages, medical bills, or legal consequences from the accident. Read on to understand the full impact and steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Does It Mean to Have an Excluded Driver in Texas on Your Insurance?
When someone is listed as an “excluded driver” on your insurance in Texas, it means your insurance won’t cover them if they drive your car and get into an accident. In other words, they’re officially not allowed to drive your car under your policy.
This happens when the insurance policyholder (you) specifically asks the insurance company to exclude that person, often because they might make the policy more expensive or are considered a higher risk. For example, a teenager with a lot of tickets might be listed as an excluded driver.
If an excluded driver does get behind the wheel and causes an accident, your insurance won’t pay for the damages or injuries. This means you might have to cover all the costs yourself, even if it’s really expensive.
Who Is Financially Responsible When an Excluded Driver Causes an Accident?
If an excluded driver causes an accident, the financial responsibility usually falls on the car owner or the driver themselves, not the insurance company. Because the excluded driver isn’t covered under your policy, the insurance won’t pay for any damages to other cars, property, or injuries from the accident.
This means that you (the car owner) or the excluded driver may have to pay for everything out of pocket. This can include costs for car repairs, medical bills, and even legal fees if there’s a lawsuit. Without insurance stepping in, these costs can add up quickly and become a big financial burden.
So, if an excluded driver takes your car without permission and gets into an accident, you could still end up paying for the damages, even though they weren’t supposed to be driving.
Legal Consequences of an Accident with an Excluded Driver in Texas
When an excluded driver causes an accident in Texas, there can be serious legal consequences. Because the insurance policy doesn’t cover the excluded driver, the financial and legal responsibility falls elsewhere.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Financial Liability: The car owner or the excluded driver may have to pay out of pocket for all damages, including repairs and medical bills for all parties involved.
- Lawsuits from Victims: Those injured or who have property damage can file lawsuits to recover their losses, which can lead to expensive legal fees and court judgments.
- Criminal Charges: If the excluded driver took the car without permission, they might face criminal charges for unauthorized use or even theft.
- License Suspension or Fines: The excluded driver could face penalties for driving without proper insurance coverage, which may include fines or suspension of their driver’s license.
- Impact on the Car Owner: Even if the owner didn’t give permission, they might still be dragged into legal proceedings, causing stress and potential financial loss.
It’s important to remember that Texas law allows injured parties to seek compensation directly from the responsible individuals when insurance doesn’t cover the accident. This situation can lead to costly legal battles and significant financial strain.
Steps to Take After an Excluded Driver Gets in an Accident
If an excluded driver gets into an accident, it can be overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and handle the situation:
- Stay Calm and Assess the Situation – First, make sure everyone is safe. Call emergency services if there are any injuries and follow any instructions from the police or paramedics.
- Document the Accident – Gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, and location. Get the contact information of other drivers and witnesses, and collect insurance details from the other party involved.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Even though the excluded driver isn’t covered, it’s still essential to inform your insurance company about the accident. They may provide guidance on handling claims from the other party.
- Seek Legal Advice – An accident with an excluded driver can lead to complex legal and financial issues. Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your options, especially since insurance won’t cover the damages.
Call for a Free Injury Accident Case Evaluation
If you’re facing the stress and financial risk of an accident involving an excluded driver, we’re here to help. Our team at Accident Defense Law offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your rights and next steps. We don’t get paid unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out.
