Can I remove my non-driving spouse from my car insurance policy?

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In most cases, you can’t simply remove your spouse from your car insurance — even if they don’t drive.

Insurers generally require all licensed household members to be listed on the policy because they could still use your car. However, if your spouse doesn’t have a valid license or your insurer and state allow named driver exclusions, it may be possible to exclude them.

Here’s what you need to know before making any changes to your policy.

Why insurers require you to list all licensed household members

Car insurance companies base their rates on the overall risk of your household, not just the people who drive daily. If your spouse has a valid driver’s license and lives with you, your insurer assumes they could operate your vehicle — even occasionally.

For that reason, most insurers require all licensed household members to be listed on your policy, whether they drive or not. Leaving your spouse off without notifying your insurer could be considered a misrepresentation, which might lead to denied claims or even policy cancellation.

In some cases, a non-driving spouse can be noted as “excluded” or “non-rated” if they don’t have regular access to your vehicles, but this depends on state law and company rules. Always confirm your insurer’s specific requirements before making any changes.

How to exclude your spouse from your car insurance policy

If your spouse doesn’t drive at all, there are limited situations where you may be able to exclude them from coverage.

• Named driver exclusion. Some states and insurers let you formally exclude a household member — including a spouse — by signing a named driver exclusion. This form confirms that the excluded person will not drive any covered vehicles and won’t be protected by your insurance if they do.
• License surrender. If your spouse no longer drives and voluntarily gives up their driver’s license, your insurer may allow you to remove them entirely from the policy.

Not all states or companies permit exclusions for married couples, so always check with your insurer before making changes.

When exclusion might make sense

Excluding a spouse can sometimes make sense if they have a poor driving record, suspended license, or no longer drive for medical or personal reasons. In these cases, excluding them may help you lower your premium or maintain eligibility for coverage when your insurer otherwise wouldn’t approve the policy.

However, exclusion should always be a last resort. If your spouse drives the vehicle after being excluded, you’ll be personally responsible for any resulting damages or lawsuits.

Not all states or insurance companies permit spousal exclusions, and the rules can vary widely. Always confirm with your insurer before making any policy changes to avoid accidentally creating coverage gaps.

What happens if your excluded spouse drives your car

If your excluded spouse drives your car — even once — your policy won’t cover any accidents or damages that occur. That means you could be responsible for paying out of pocket for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and even legal fees.

For example, if your excluded spouse drives you to the hospital during an emergency and causes an accident, your insurer can deny the claim because the driver wasn’t covered.

This is why named driver exclusions should be used carefully — they can lower your premium but come with major financial risk.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

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Is it ever better to keep your spouse listed on the policy?

In many cases, yes. Keeping your spouse listed — even if they don’t drive often — ensures your policy stays valid and your household remains fully protected.

If your spouse has a clean driving record, the cost difference may be small. But if they have a suspended or poor driving history, excluding them might lower your rates (where allowed). The best approach is to compare both options with your insurer.

Penny Gusner

Contributor

 

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Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s.