How do Marriage, Divorce and Other Life Events Affect Car Insurance

By: Jessica Penick

For Better or Worse: How Four Common Life Events May Affect Your Auto Insurance & Discounts

Why do certain life events affect your auto insurance policy? Whether you've just gotten married, divorced, recently moved or added a new teen driver to your policy, we'll help you understand why and how these common occurrences can prompt changes, for better or for worse.

Marriage - Marriage often results in an array of unexpected benefits, including auto insurance discounts. When you get married, make sure to let your car insurance provider know. You may be eligible for a multi-car insurance policy discount. If you cohabitate, but are not legally married, you still may qualify for a joint car insurance discount - check with your provider.



Divorce - On the flip side, divorce can actually increase your car insurance rates. While marriage likely means that you're combining policies, enabling you to receive a multi car insurance policy discount, divorce may negate those discounts once you separate your policies. However, you may qualify for other multi policy discounts by combining your home insurance or other recreational vehicle insurance policies.

Moving - When you move, make your insurance provider aware, especially when transferring to a new state. You may need to increase or decrease your coverage depending on your new state's coverage requirements. Even if you're staying in your current state, check with your agent to be sure you're properly covered.

New teen driver - You can save on auto insurance coverage for your teen if:

- Your teen maintains a high grade point average, as predetermined by your insurance company. This is called a good student auto insurance discount.

- Your teen gets receives his or her own car and you add it to your existing policy. This is called a multi-car auto insurance discount.

- Your teen completes an approved motor vehicle accident prevention course. This may result in an accident prevention or defensive driver auto insurance discount.

Whether for better or worse, major life events can affect your auto insurance and the discounts you may or may not be eligible to receive. The best way to confirm is to speak with your insurance representative.