There are no limits when it comes to loving someone and part of the journey for unmarried couples is discovering various aspects of life together. Moreover, when dealing with certain issues like car insurance, various questions are being asked like when and how to add your partner to your policy. For instance, it’s common knowledge for married couples to share a car insurance policy but what about unmarried couples?
This also means that there are certain aspects of car insurance for unmarried couples we need to understand. For this reason, we will delve into some of the available options of car insurance for unmarried couples and other crucial information you should know.
Can Unmarried Couples Combine Car Insurance
Yes, there are various ways that unmarried couples can combine car insurance. In other words, whether you have a separate car or a shared car, this is possible. If unmarried couples share a car in their insurance policy, the car owner would be the policyholder. Then, your partner will be added as an additional driver in the policy.
However, if both of you have your cars, you can decide on a joint policy as a single family. Furthermore, you should note that not all auto insurance companies will refer to it the same way when you look for options for unmarried couples’ car insurance. The following are the regularly used terms:
- Non-relative insurance.
- Non-married insurance.
- Domestic partnerships insurance.
- Unmarried couple insurance.
- Roommate insurance.
- Domestic partner insurance.
In addition, unmarried couples can buy joint car insurance but most providers mandate that they must live together. If they don’t, joining insurance policies might be the right option. Then in such cases, permissive use is usually a great option for couples that live in different homes. It guarantees your partner is covered by your policy when they use your vehicle.
When to Include Your Partner in Your Policy
If you want to add your partner to your policy, providers would need to have your residential address. The following option below indicates some events when adding insurance might be the best choice for you.
Reside together
Including your partner in your policy when you reside together is the best option. Most car insurance providers might reject your claim if you didn’t add them to your car insurance plan.
Your insurance provider needs it
People that reside with you automatically become a members of your family. Certain car insurance providers would need you to include members of your family who have access to your vehicle. Therefore, you need to add your partner’s name to your policy if you two stay together.
Regularly use each other’s vehicle
While most couples regularly use each other’s vehicle, it cannot be considered a permissive use. That is why adding your partner to your policy is important in such circumstances. Otherwise, your insurance provider may reject your claim especially if your partner is not covered when involved in an accident.
When Not to Include Your Partner in Your Policy
Generally, adding your partner to your policy is only for those that stay together. However, you shouldn’t assume that staying together would make you eligible for joint car insurance. To determine if it’s the right choice, you should consider some other aspects.
For instance, if your partner has a bad driving record, you might need to consider it. This same thing is also applicable to you if you have a bad credit score or own a luxurious car. Any of these could lead to an increased yearly premium. Furthermore, the following are events when you shouldn’t add your partner to your policy
Your spouse has a poor driving history
Your partner may pay a higher auto insurance premium if notice any violations on their driving history, unlike safe drivers. If your partner has a DUI, at-fault accident, or tickets, it could be hard to find cheap full-coverage auto insurance.
Your spouse’s credit score is low
The level of risk is determined by your credit score. If you have a good credit score, the insurance provider would consider you paying for premium early and filing fewer claims. However, if your partner’s credit score is low, you should anticipate your policy to be costly.
You neither stay together nor use each other’s vehicles
Unmarried couples that live in different houses might not be able to get joint car insurance, especially if they do not use each other’s vehicles. Moreover, a permissive use is adequate to cover your partner when they drive.
They have a costly vehicle
One of the many factors that contribute to the high cost of auto insurance is the vehicle you drive. If your partner drives an expensive vehicle, like a sports car, you may pay a higher insurance premium if you intend to add them to your policy.
What Happens If We Get Married or Break Up
Just as life changes, the same thing applies to relationships. In addition, it’s an excellent choice to update your car insurance if you and your partner get married. Moreover, it’s important to get joint car insurance since married couples are normally eligible for additional discounts. However, if the relationship comes to a close, you may want to change your car insurance policy. To prevent needless issues, you should remove their names if they were included before.
How to Save on Unmarried Couples Car Insurance
With a multi-car discount, you will be able to save money just by getting joint car insurance. There are multiple other discounts offered by auto insurance that you might be eligible for. The following includes
- Homeowners discount.
- Safe drivers discount (based on past driving records or completion of a defensive driving course)
- Minimal mileage savings.
- Discount when purchasing additional insurance policies (such as renters’, homeowners’, or life) together.
- Vehicle’s safety features discount.
- Vehicle’s security features discount.
By reducing your deductible, you can also lower the monthly premiums you pay for full coverage insurance. Also, different providers may offer different discounts and auto insurance quotes. Lastly, comparing multiple providers will usually result in the best savings and offers.