Sharing a car insurance policy with your spouse typically helps you get the best rates.

However, if you're separated, divorced, or planning to live apart for other reasons, you might want to know when and how to remove your spouse from your car insurance.

When to Remove Your Spouse From Your Car Insurance

There are a few different instances where you may end up excluding your spouse from your car insurance. You’ll usually only remove your spouse from your car insurance if you’re getting separated or divorced. You’ll likely get better auto insurance rates with a joint policy when you're married than by maintaining separate ones.

You may also need to remove your spouse from your auto insurance policy if you’ll be living at two different addresses, even if you’re not formally separating.

How to Remove Your Spouse From Your Car Insurance

Before removing them from your policy, most insurance companies require your spouse’s permission and proof of replacement auto insurance.

To take your spouse off your car insurance policy, check with your insurer to confirm the steps you need to take. These may include:

• Establishing yourself as the primary named insured on your account
• Obtaining your spouse’s signed consent to remove them from the policy
• Providing proof of your spouse’s new insurance policy

Suppose you're not the primary named insured, or your spouse won’t sign the removal request. In that case, you can alternatively remove yourself from the car insurance policy and provide proof of your own separate policy.

What happens if I remove my spouse from my car insurance?

When you remove your spouse from your auto insurance policy, you’ll each be responsible for maintaining coverage and paying your insurance premiums.

Since many insurance companies offer discounts for married couples or multiple vehicles in a household, you may see your rates go up after you remove your spouse from your policy. Shop around and compare car insurance quotes to find the best rates for your current needs.

Car Insurance for Teens When You Remove Your Spouse

If your car insurance policy includes teen drivers, you’ll need to ensure they’re listed on the correct policy when you remove your spouse.

You should list your teen driver on the insurance policy for any vehicles they can access. If they primarily live with you and won’t have access to your spouse’s car, your child should remain on your car insurance. If your teen has equal access to both vehicles, ensure they're a listed driver on both policies.

Removing Your Spouse From Your Auto Insurance

Taking your spouse off your car insurance is relatively easy with your spouse’s consent. Ask your insurer about the process for splitting your car insurance into separate policies to ensure you, your spouse, and any other drivers have coverage.