If your wife doesn’t drive or have a license, your insurance company will still require her to be listed on your policy if you share the same household. Insurers assess risk based on all household members who can access your vehicle.
While your wife may not intend to drive, there’s always a possibility that she could use the vehicle in an emergency or unexpectedly. If she isn’t listed and gets involved in an accident when using your car, your insurer might deny your claim or cancel the policy.
What happens if I don’t list my wife on the policy?
Insurance companies typically require you to list all household members, including your spouse, because they may have access to your vehicle, even if they don’t drive regularly.
Failing to include your spouse could result in denied claims or coverage gaps if they are involved in an accident while using your car. Additionally, insurers may view withholding this information as dishonesty, which could lead to policy cancellation or higher premiums down the line.
It’s best to update your policy to include all household members to ensure both you and your vehicle are covered in the event of an accident.
Can I exclude my wife from my insurance policy?
It typically depends on the state you live in. In some states, you can exclude your spouse from your car insurance policy, but this is only allowed if they don’t have a driver’s license or have access to another insurance policy.
In some states, including Kansas, Michigan, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Minnesota, Rhode Island and Vermont, you won’t be able to exclude your spouse as a covered driver from your policy. It’s always good to check with your insurer to understand the laws and policies.
Will my premium increase if I list my wife, even if she doesn’t drive?
Adding your spouse to your car insurance policy can sometimes increase your premium, even if they don’t drive. Insurance companies typically factor in the driving records of all household members listed on your policy when determining your premiums. If your spouse has a poor driving history, it could affect your premium.
Final thoughts
When it comes to car insurance, transparency is key. Adding your spouse to your policy ensures you meet your insurer’s requirements and avoid potential issues with coverage in case of an accident. Although it may result in a slight increase in your premium, the peace of mind knowing that your insurer has all the necessary information can help avoid claim denial or policy cancellation.
Source
Trustedchoice.com. “Understanding Driver Exclusions.” Accessed May 2025.
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