A new marriage is a big event that can change almost every part of your life, from where you live to your finances. But did you know that marriage or a domestic partnership can also impact your car insurance?.
Weve gathered some answers to common questions about car insurance for married couples. Read on to learn how marriage or domestic partnership can change your car insurance.
Getting married can be an exciting time as you join your lives together. But it also brings about some not-so-fun financial considerations, like combining car insurance. If you already have auto coverage, you may be wondering – do I really need to add my new spouse to my policy?
Unfortunately, in most cases the answer is yes. There are some good reasons why your spouse likely needs to be included on your car insurance. I’ll explain when you must add them, how it impacts costs, your options, and more. By the end, you’ll understand the rules around spousal auto insurance.
Why Insurers Require Adding Your Spouse
The main reason you need to add your spouse to your car insurance is simply because you live together. When you share a residence, you also share insurance risk.
Here’s why most insurers mandate adding a spouse:
-
If your spouse drives your car, they need coverage. Leaving them off the policy likely invalidates claims if they get in an accident.
-
Even if your spouse rarely uses your car, they still could in an emergency. So they need to be insured.
-
If your spouse has their own car, it’s convenient to bundle policies together for discounts.
-
Combining insurance shows the full risk picture for your household.
Essentially, once you’re married, you become a shared insurance unit. For comprehensive protection, spouses must be included.
How Does Adding a Spouse Affect Your Premium?
Adding your husband or wife will almost always increase your car insurance rates. Why? Because your spouse’s risk factors now get calculated into your policy premium.
These risk aspects may raise your costs:
- Poor credit history
- Accidents or violations on their driving record
- Lack of continuous prior insurance coverage
- Young age or inexperience
The more negative marks your spouse has, the bigger the potential rate hike. But even a totally clean record often bumps up premiums a little.
On the bright side, you may qualify for a multi-car or multi-policy discount by combining insurance. This could help offset the spouse surcharge.
What Are Your Options for Insuring a Spouse?
You have a couple options when it comes to handling spousal car insurance:
Add them as a named insured driver – This gives your spouse full coverage and is required by many insurers if you live together.
List as excluded driver – Some companies allow excluding your spouse if they rarely drive your car. But they’d have no coverage if they did drive it.
Get a non-owner car insurance policy – This provides liability-only coverage for spouses who don’t own a car.
Have spouse get their own solo policy – If you keep finances separate and vehicles registered individually, you could each have your own insurance.
Talk to your insurance provider to see which options are available. Adding your spouse as a named insured is the broadest protection.
Good Communication Is Key
Before combining insurance with your spouse, be sure to communicate openly. Share details on your driving records, claims histories, and coverage needs.
The more surprises down the road, the more likely your rates could spike further. Plus, knowing these details allows choosing optimal coverage limits and deductibles.
Also discuss how you’ll split insurance payments. Some couples alternate monthly premiums, while others split the cost percentage-wise. Decide what works for your financial situation.
Shopping Around Can Save Money
If your current insurer hits you with a big rate increase to add a spouse, don’t just accept it. Comparison shopping is important to potentially save hundreds per year.
Each company calculates spousal risk differently. The carrier with the lowest premium increase may surprise you.
An independent agent who works with multiple insurers can help identify your most affordable spousal policy. Be sure to ask about bundling discounts too.
Adding a Spouse to Car Insurance: The Bottom Line
It may be an annoyance, but combining auto insurance with your new husband or wife is required in most marriage situations. Make sure you understand the reasons why before moving forward.
To recap the key points:
-
Insurers mandate adding spouses because of shared household risk
-
Your rates will likely increase to account for their driving record and other factors
-
You have options like excluding your spouse or getting non-owner car insurance
-
Shop quotes among various carriers to minimize the financial impact
While not the most exciting post-wedding task, adequate auto insurance is crucial for protecting your finances. Take the time to explore all options before adding your new spouse.
Do married couples have to share a car insurance policy?
No. Theres no legal requirement saying you must add your spouses vehicle to your auto insurance policy.
The main reason to combine car insurance policies are to save money and time:
- A Multi-Policy Discount can help you save money when you bundle your auto insurance.
- People who are married are often seen as safer and more stable, which can lead to lower rates.
- It’s easier to keep track of one auto policy than two.
Not only do you not want to add your spouse to your policy, but if you live together, you may need to. They are a licensed driver after all. You may also add them as an excluded driver.
Please keep in mind that your spouse and anyone else in your house who drives your car should be listed as a driver on your auto insurance policy.
Are spouses automatically covered by the other spouse’s car insurance?
No. Being married doesnt give coverage to spouses or their vehicle on the others car insurance policy. To add a spouse and their vehicle to an insurance policy, the insurance company must be notified.
How Married Couples Can Save on Insurance
FAQ
Do husband and wife have to be on the same car insurance?
How do I exclude my husband from car insurance?
Why does my husband have to be on my car insurance?
Should I add my spouse to my car insurance?
Does my spouse have to be on my car insurance?
“If your spouse drives, you must have them on your policy,” Worters explained. It’s usually as simple as that, really. “If your spouse has bad credit or a bad driving record, it will affect your insurance rate,” Worters explained. “As long as your spouse lives in the same household and is associated with you, you will continue to pay higher rates.
Will my spouse be covered if he drives my car?
In that case, your spouse won’t be covered by your car insurance policy, leaving them uninsured if they drive your vehicle. So, if you and your spouse plan to drive each other’s cars occasionally, you can keep separate policies but will need to add the other person on the other policy.
Can a spouse be kept off a car insurance policy?
However, if a spouse already carries insurance coverage for their own car, you may be able to request that the spouse be kept off your policy. An affidavit confirming their coverage and sharing the policy information is usually required and submitted to your insurance company.
Can I add my spouse to my car insurance?
No. Being married doesn’t give coverage to spouses or their vehicle on the other’s car insurance policy. To add a spouse and their vehicle to an insurance policy, the insurance company must be notified. How do I add my spouse to my car insurance? You can add your spouse or domestic parter to your car insurance by contacting your insurance company.