Concerns About “Excluded Drivers” on My Policy
I’m currently paying $384 a month for insurance on my 2017 Accord. After searching for other rates, it seems like I should only be paying around $150. It turns out that my policy includes several family members as “excluded drivers,” some of whom no longer live with me. When I spoke with an agent over the phone, I provided names of everyone living in my household because they asked.
Now, I’m starting to wonder if adding these individuals is the reason my premium is so high. Did the agent take advantage of me by including them, or is there more to it? Should I consider having these excluded drivers removed, or would it be better to cancel my policy and find a new provider? I’m a 22-year-old male with one speeding ticket from about 2.5 years ago, and I have quotes from other companies for approximately $150. I’d appreciate any advice!
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation with your insurance policy. Having excluded drivers on your policy can definitely impact your premiums, even if they aren’t covered under your policy. Insurance companies often take into account the drivers listed, which can lead to higher rates even if those drivers aren’t actively driving your vehicle.
Here are a few steps you might consider:
Contact Your Insurance Agent: Reach out to your agent to discuss the situation. Ask specifically about how the excluded drivers affect your premium. If they’re impacting your rates significantly, request to have them removed.
Get a Revised Quote: After removing the excluded drivers, ask for a revised quote. This will give you a clearer picture of whether your premium can be reduced significantly.
Compare Other Quotes: Since you’ve already received quotes around $150, it might be worth exploring those options further. Check the coverage details and ensure you’re comparing similar policies.
Consider Your Driving Record: While you mentioned one speeding ticket, it’s worth knowing how this might be affecting your rates. Some insurance companies may be more lenient than others.
Look for Discounts: Ask potential insurers about any discounts you may qualify for, such as safe driver discounts, good student discounts, or bundling policies.
Negotiate: If you want to stay with your current insurer, use the quotes you’ve gathered as leverage to negotiate a better rate.
Ultimately, if removing the excluded drivers leads to a significant reduction in your premium, it could be worthwhile to stay. However, if not, consider switching to another insurer that offers you a better rate for the coverage you need.