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After a divorce or separation, the process of separating your car insurance policy from your former partner’s can be complex. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you have the coverage you need:

  1. Review your insurance policy: Take a look at your current policy to see who is listed as the primary driver of each vehicle. If you and your former partner are both listed as primary drivers, you’ll need to have your names removed from each other’s policies.
  2. Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company and let them know that you have separated or divorced. They will be able to provide you with the information you need to make changes to your policy.
  3. Make changes to your policy: Depending on your situation, you may need to add or remove a vehicle from your policy, update your address, or change the primary driver of a vehicle.
  4. Get separate policies: If you and your former partner each own a vehicle, it’s recommended that you each get your own insurance policy for your respective vehicles.
  5. Shop for new insurance: If you need to get a new policy, take some time to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies.

It’s important to keep in mind that the process of separating your car insurance policy after a divorce or separation can be time-consuming and complicated. If you’re having trouble understanding your policy or making changes, consider speaking with an insurance agent or a lawyer who specializes in family law.

Can I Stay On My Husbands Car Insurance After Divorce?

The ability to stay on your husband’s car insurance policy after a divorce will depend on several factors, including the specific insurance company and policy. Some insurance companies may allow a former spouse to remain on the policy, while others may require that the policy be updated to reflect the change in the marital status.

It’s important to check with your insurance company to see what their policy is regarding coverage after a divorce. If you’re unable to remain on your husband’s policy, you may need to purchase your own insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need.

In some cases, if you and your husband have joint ownership of a vehicle, it may be necessary for both of you to have insurance coverage on that vehicle. You should discuss your options with your insurance company and, if necessary, seek the advice of a family law attorney.

Does Being Divorced Affect Your Car Insurance?

Being divorced can affect your car insurance in several ways. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Primary driver: If you were listed as a primary driver on your spouse’s insurance policy, your name may need to be removed from the policy after your divorce.
  2. Ownership of vehicles: If you and your spouse owned vehicles jointly, you’ll need to determine who will keep each vehicle and update your insurance policies accordingly.
  3. Separate policies: If you and your spouse each own a vehicle, it’s recommended that you each get your own insurance policy for your respective vehicles.
  4. Address change: If you move to a different address after your divorce, you’ll need to update your insurance policy with your new address.
  5. Premiums: In some cases, your insurance premiums may change after a divorce, particularly if you’re no longer sharing a household with someone who has a good driving record.

How the cost of car insurance might change after a divorce or separation in Canada

Rate Changes

Here’s an example of how the cost of car insurance might change after a divorce or separation in Canada:

Assumptions:

  • The driver is a 40-year-old female who recently got divorced and is now the sole owner and driver of her vehicle.
  • The driver currently owns a 2012 Honda Civic and has a clean driving record.
  • The driver lives in a major city in each of the following provinces: Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
  • The insurance policy includes liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible.

Ontario:

  • Current car: 2012 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $1,500 per year or $125 per month
  • New status: Recently divorced
  • New insurance cost: $1,250 per year or $104.17 per month (16.7% decrease)

Alberta:

  • Current car: 2012 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $1,200 per year or $100 per month
  • New status: Recently divorced
  • New insurance cost: $1,000 per year or $83.33 per month (16.7% decrease)

Quebec:

  • Current car: 2012 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $800 per year or $66.67 per month
  • New status: Recently divorced
  • New insurance cost: $680 per year or $56.67 per month (15% decrease)

Nova Scotia:

  • Current car: 2012 Honda Civic
  • Current insurance cost: $1,000 per year or $83.33 per month
  • New status: Recently divorced
  • New insurance cost: $850 per year or $70.83 per month (15% decrease)

Note: These are example rates and are based on a number of assumptions. Actual rates may vary depending on a variety of factors, including driving record, location, insurance provider, and type of car. It’s always a good idea to compare rates from multiple providers to find the best coverage and price for your needs.

How do I maintain my insurance after divorce?

To maintain your car insurance coverage after a divorce, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Review your insurance policy: Take a look at your current policy to see who is listed as the primary driver of each vehicle. If you and your former partner are both listed as primary drivers, you’ll need to have your names removed from each other’s policies.
  2. Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company and let them know that you have separated or divorced. They will be able to provide you with the information you need to make changes to your policy.
  3. Make changes to your policy: Depending on your situation, you may need to add or remove a vehicle from your policy, update your address, or change the primary driver of a vehicle.
  4. Get separate policies: If you and your former partner each own a vehicle, it’s recommended that you each get your own insurance policy for your respective vehicles.
  5. Shop for new insurance: If you need to get a new policy, take some time to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies.

Can you remove spouse from car insurance before divorce

Yes, you can remove your spouse from your car insurance policy before a divorce is finalized. To do this, you’ll need to contact your insurance company and let them know that you want to make changes to your policy.

You may need to provide proof of the change in your marital status, such as a separation agreement or a court order. The insurance company will then update your policy to reflect the change.

Keep in mind that removing your spouse from your insurance policy may impact your coverage and premium. For example, if your spouse was listed as a secondary driver on your policy, your premiums may go up if they’re removed from the policy.

If you’re unsure about how to remove your spouse from your car insurance policy or what the consequences may be, consider speaking with an insurance agent or a lawyer who specializes in family law.

FAQs

 

individual-insurance

Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance and divorce or separation in Canada:

  1. How does getting a divorce or separation affect my car insurance rates?
  • Getting a divorce or separation can potentially lower your car insurance rates, as you may be considered a lower risk driver without a spouse or partner on your policy. However, there are several other factors that can affect your rates as well, including your driving record, location, and type of car.
  1. Can I keep my car insurance after a divorce or separation?
  • Yes, you can typically keep your car insurance policy after a divorce or separation. However, you may need to update your policy to reflect your new status and remove your ex-spouse or partner from the policy.
  1. Can my ex-spouse or partner keep my car on their insurance policy after a divorce or separation?
  • In most cases, your ex-spouse or partner will need to get their own car insurance policy for any vehicles they own or drive after a divorce or separation. You should contact your insurance provider to remove them from your policy and ensure that they have their own coverage in place.
  1. Will my car insurance rates go up if I have a new address after a divorce or separation?
  • Your car insurance rates may be affected if you move to a new address after a divorce or separation. Rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including your new location and the insurance provider.
  1. Can I remove my ex-spouse or partner from my car insurance policy if they still use my car?
  • If your ex-spouse or partner still uses your car, they may need to be listed on your car insurance policy. However, you may be able to remove them as a primary driver or owner of the vehicle if they no longer have a legal interest in it.
  1. Can I get car insurance for my new car after a divorce or separation?
  • Yes, you can still get car insurance for a new car after a divorce or separation. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to get coverage that meets your needs and budget.

Lawyer

 

  1. What happens to my car insurance policy if I get a separation but we’re not divorced yet?
  • If you’re separated but not yet divorced, you can typically keep your car insurance policy as is. However, you may need to update your policy to remove your ex-spouse or partner as a primary driver or owner of the vehicle.
  1. What happens to my car insurance policy if I sell or trade in a car after a divorce or separation?
  • If you sell or trade in a car after a divorce or separation, you will need to update your car insurance policy to remove the vehicle from your coverage. Be sure to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to avoid any gaps in coverage.
  1. Can I switch car insurance providers after a divorce or separation?
  • Yes, you can typically switch car insurance providers after a divorce or separation. Be sure to shop around for the best rates and coverage options to meet your needs and budget.
  1. What types of car insurance coverage should I consider after a divorce or separation?
  • When considering car insurance coverage after a divorce or separation, it’s important to consider liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. You may also want to consider add-ons such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
  1. How can I get the best car insurance rates after a divorce or separation?
  • To get the best car insurance rates after a divorce or separation, it’s a good idea to shop around for quotes from multiple insurance providers. You may also be eligible for discounts, such as a safe driver discount or bundling discount, that can lower your rates even further.
  1. How can I find an insurance provider that meets my needs after a divorce or separation?
  • To find an insurance provider that meets your needs after a divorce or separation, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from other customers. You may also want to work with an insurance agent who can help you find the best coverage options for your specific situation.
  1. What happens if I am listed as a secondary driver on my ex-spouse’s car insurance policy?
  • If you are listed as a secondary driver on your ex-spouse’s car insurance policy, you may be able to continue to use their coverage if you have permission to do so. However, if you have your own car or own a car jointly with your ex-spouse, you will need to get your own car insurance policy.
  1. Can I file a claim with my car insurance company after a divorce or separation?
  • Yes, you can file a claim with your car insurance company after a divorce or separation. However, you will need to ensure that the claim is related to an incident that occurred while you were covered under the policy.
  1. What happens to my car insurance rates if I move to a new city after a divorce or separation?
  • Your car insurance rates may be affected if you move to a new city after a divorce or separation. Rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including your new location and the insurance provider.
  1. How can I save money on car insurance after a divorce or separation?
  • To save money on car insurance after a divorce or separation, you may want to consider bundling your insurance policies, increasing your deductible, or taking advantage of discounts such as a safe driver discount or low-mileage discount.
  1. What should I do if my ex-spouse or partner is involved in a car accident while using my car?
  • If your ex-spouse or partner is involved in a car accident while using your car, your insurance policy may provide coverage. However, it’s important to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to ensure that any necessary claims are filed and that your rates are not affected.
  1. What happens to my car insurance rates if I get a ticket or violation after a divorce or separation?
  • If you get a ticket or violation after a divorce or separation, your car insurance rates may increase. The severity of the violation, your driving history, and your insurance provider will all factor into the rate increase.
  1. What should I do if my ex-spouse or partner does not remove me from their car insurance policy?
  • If your ex-spouse or partner does not remove you from their car insurance policy, you may need to contact their insurance provider to ensure that you are no longer listed on the policy. You may also want to consult with a legal professional if you are experiencing any issues related to your ex-spouse or partner’s car insurance policy.
  1. Can my car insurance provider cancel my policy after a divorce or separation?
  • Your car insurance provider can cancel your policy after a divorce or separation if you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for coverage. For example, if you move to a new location or no longer own a car, you may no longer be eligible for coverage under your existing policy.
  1. Can I change my car insurance coverage after a divorce or separation?
  • Yes, you can change your car insurance coverage after a divorce or separation. Be sure to review your policy and determine if any changes need to be made to reflect your new status and driving habits. You may want to consider reducing coverage or increasing your deductible to save money on your premiums.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

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