Youthful operators

Bulletin 164

Youthful operators

April 3, 1989

The Automobile Insurance Cancellation Control Act allows cancellation or nonrenewal for reasons

relating to convictions, suspensions, or accidents. Title 24-A M.R.S.A. Section 2916-B allows the

exclusion of operators who commit an act for which a policy could be cancelled or nonrenewed under

Section 2914(4), relating to license suspensions or revocations, or Section 2916-A(1) or (2), relating

to convictions and accidents.

These three sections, when read together, indicate that a covered person cannot be nonrenewed or

excluded for any other reason. It has come to the attention of the Bureau of Insurance that youthful

operators are being excluded from coverage or are otherwise being limited on existing policies. These

practices are not permitted under the Automobile Insurance Cancellation Control Act.

A resident youthful operator may not be excluded from his/her parents' policy except for those

reasons allowed under 24-A M.R.S.A. Section 2916-B. If a youthful operator has his/her own policy,

whether or not he/she owns a vehicle, he/she cannot be rated as a youthful operator on the parents'

policy. If the youthful operator's policy is through another company or an unaffiliated company, the

insurer of the parents can require continuous proof of insurance for the youthful operator but may not

surcharge the parents' policy for a youthful operator. If a resident youthful operator is not covered or

ceases to be covered under a separate policy, then the youthful operator shall be carried on the family

policy and may be subject to surcharge either as a principal operator or occasional operator.

Joseph A. Edwards

Superintendent of Insurance

NOTE: This bulletin is intended solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to set forth legal

rights, duties or privileges nor is it intended to provide legal advice

r a separate policy, then the youthful operator shall be carried on the family

policy and may be subject to surcharge either as a principal operator or occasional operator.

Joseph A. Edwards

Superintendent of Insurance

NOTE: This bulletin is intended solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to set forth legal

rights, duties or privileges nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Readers are encouraged to

consult applicable statutes and regulations and to contact the Bureau of Insurance if additional

information is needed.