Answers

I believe WA (as well as just about all states) has a mandatory insurance law that basically says any driver must be insured. The owner of the vehicle is generally responsible for maintaining that coverage. If your roommate is not rated on her/his own policy, your insurance company may not want to continue to offer you coverage if you are unwilling to provide the information to add him/her as a driver to your policy. It may not even cost anything or much additiional, depending on your roommate's driving record, age, etc. However, it's pretty common that insurance companies asks about anyone else in the household, whether they drive your car or not. You already showed the insurance company she/he does drive your car (at least she/he did) anyway. Rarely but sometimes, they don't bother following up until there is a claim that shows the other person does drive your car.

If your roommate has their own coverage elsewhere on another vehicle and never has access to drive your car, sometimes your insurance company will be satisfied just showing a copy of the policy declaration for the other coverage. It easier if the other coverage is with your same insurance company and has the same limits.

P.S. Keep your copy of the letter that establishes the other parties fault for this accident. Perhaps it is from their insurance company or other proof they were held responsible for all costs. It may come in handy later.

2

0

Report it

My insurance company in California also bases the rate upon all drivers in the household, but the exception I found is this applied only if they were all on the same policy, for example, having my 17yr old son living with me and also on my policy. Once he got his own insurance (with another company) then my insurance was no longer concerned. So, while I don't know the laws of WA, what you are discussing is true to some extent.

Rates have been going up anyway, at least mine have, so don't be surprised if your future bill is higher. Should you need to, then address any complaint to the State of Washington who should have an insurance division that handles consumer complaints.

Laws and rules vary state to state, and as hard as this sounds, just don't let it bother you unless your insurance rates double. Even though you don't appear to be complaining about any injuries, don't be surprised if the other party's insurance make you a cash offer to forgo any future lawsuit related to your ER visit. Most don't, but I had one that did.

Last but not least, be careful what you post online, especially your name and location, as this may provide the other company with information you didn't want them to know.

1

0

Report it

About the last reply, I'm in CA, too. But WA has been a "no-fault" state if I recall correctly, so the lawsuit for a medical claim is unlikely. As long as you have proof the claim was settled as the other party's fault, then this incident alone should not affect the cost to you.

As far as adding another driver, insurance companies traditionally rate the "highest-rated-driver to the highest-rated-car". That means it depends on how many drivers, their records/age/status etc., cars, specifics for each, etc. before it makes any cost difference for your roommate driver.

The company is asking for their usual opportunity to calculate what they consider how much risk they potentially have (based on how their rates are filed). If they find there is someone who potentially has access to your vehicle, they want to make sure that person meets certain basic criteria (licensed, record, etc.).

Having a young driver is usually much more expensive than a more mature driver. And driving record is important, too. Only one car, two potential drivers (no other insurance), then the highest rated driver's rates apply; if they are the same, then there isn't an additional premium.

0

0

Report it

Here in PA, I've heard of the ability to have an "Exclusion of Policy" for other drivers in your household. Basically, you have to fill out a form and "promise" your insurance company that the other driver(s) will not drive your car. Then, you can exclude them from your policy. I found this out when I bought my own policy while still living with my parents years ago. My mom had an accident showing up on her driving record. When I ask the insurance company if there was any way around it, they then mentioned the "Exclusion of Policy." On the down side of this, if that excluded person is caught driving your vehicle, you could be fined and possibly have your policy canceled. Definitely make sure the excluded drivers aren't driving your vehicle.

0

0

Report it