When you want to take a driver off your car insurance, you have two options—removal and exclusion. While it might only seem like a difference in word choice, terminology plays a big role in the legal protections provided by your policy. According to the agents at BestRate Auto Insurance, serving Statesboro and Vidalia, GA, understanding the difference can save you money as well as stress if an accident occurs.

The difference between the two options is in their permanence. Removing a driver is a permanent transition that takes the driver completely off your policy, which is a common practice among parents when their adult children leave home. An exclusion differs from a removal because it only temporarily removes the driver's liability and collision protection.

Policy removal usually occurs when the driver no longer resides at your residence, so it's unlikely they'll be driving your vehicle on a regular basis. Most insurance companies cover the costs of an accident of a non-policy driver as long as operating the vehicle is a rarity for them. However, if you remove a driver and they still operate the insured vehicle regularly, the provider might refuse to cover damages if they find out.

Exclusion, on the other hand, is mostly utilized by policyholders when one of the protected drivers causes a rise in premium costs. If someone on your policy has recently been tagged as a high-risk driver (DUI, speeding ticket, negligent accident), then you can expect your insurance costs to skyrocket. Many vehicle owners choose to exclude the driver from their policy after such events to reduce these costs until they can be reinstated when they're no longer considered a risk.

If you're unsure which car insurance option works best for your situation, turn to BestRate Auto Insurance for expert advice. Known for their customer-centric approach, the insurance company can evaluate your circumstances and suggest the best course of action based on their years of experience. Get your questions answered today or request a free car insurance quote by calling (912) 489-5942 for their Statesboro location or (912) 403-3250 for the Vidalia office. You can also learn more about their auto policies online.