Do I Have to Add a Significant Other to My Auto Insurance?
Whether a policyholder will need to add a significant other to his or her coverage depends on many different factors. If a motorist is married, the insurer will likely require the spouse to be added to the policy since he or she would have regular access to the insured automobile. If the motorist has a live-in boyfriend or girlfriend, the same may apply. Many insurers will allow motorists to exclude significant others from policies, but this is a decision requiring some careful thought because any accident that occurs while the excluded driver is behind the wheel will not be covered.In most states, automobile insurers will require policyholders to include all licensed drivers who reside in the same household on the coverage; this applies regardless of the relationship between the motorists. The majority of auto insurance companies will allow the insured to exclude any licensed drivers in the household, and in some cases this may be necessary.
Motorists who pose a high risk to insurers can cause a policyholder's premium to increase, and if they will not be operating the vehicle, the insured could benefit from excluding them from automobile insurance coverage and avoiding paying higher rates. Before doing so, the policyholder will need to make sure any excluded drivers will not be operating the covered vehicle so there are no uninsured accidents.
Excluding a spouse or significant other from policies is a decision that should be made carefully. Couples often share vehicles, and excluding a "better half" should only be done if they have their own vehicle and policy. Automobile owners can never know if their significant other will need to use the vehicle in an emergency situation.
Certain companies may require customers to add a boyfriend or girlfriend to their policy even if they do not reside with them. If a person's significant other uses the insured vehicle regularly, the insurer may require that he or she is added to the coverage.
Potential Savings
Married drivers often pay less for coverage than single motorists. From a statistical standpoint, studies show that those who are married are safer drivers, take fewer risks on the road and are in fewer accidents. Since insurers base premiums on the potential of paying a claim, and married couples show less of a risk, a discount may be available.The marriage discount may also be available to same-sex couples. Companies in states that allow civil unions between two people of the same gender may be willing to offer a reduction in premiums.