Not Reporting Divorce to Insurance: What You Need to Know

Divorce is a difficult experience that involves many changes in your life. One of those changes involves your insurance coverage. It is important to understand how your insurance policies may be affected by your divorce, and what steps you need to take to make sure you have the coverage you need.

Why You Might Not Think to Report Your Divorce to Insurance

When you get divorced, you may not think about how your insurance coverage will be affected. After all, insurance policies are usually shared between spouses, so why would you need to make any changes?

However, there are several reasons why you should report your divorce to your insurance companies:

  • Your insurance policies may need to be updated
  • You may need to change the beneficiaries on your policies
  • Your coverage may be affected if you or your ex-spouse move

While these may not seem like urgent matters, failing to report your divorce to your insurance companies could lead to serious consequences in the future.

How Your Health Insurance Coverage Can Be Affected

Your health insurance coverage is likely to be one of the most important policies you have. If you are covered under your spouse’s health insurance plan, you may lose that coverage when you get divorced.

However, there are options available to you. You may be able to get coverage through your employer, or you may qualify for coverage under a government program like Medicaid.

If you have children, you will need to make sure they are covered under a health insurance plan. Depending on your situation, you may need to purchase a separate health insurance policy for them or include them on a policy provided by one of the parents.

How Your Auto Insurance Coverage Can Be Affected

Your auto insurance coverage may also be affected by your divorce. If you and your ex-spouse had a joint policy, you may need to purchase separate policies after your divorce.

It is important to notify your insurance company of the change in your marital status, as this can affect the rates you pay. You may also need to change the names of the drivers listed on the policy, as well as the address where the vehicle is garaged.

How Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage Can Be Affected

If you and your ex-spouse owned a home together, you will need to decide who will be responsible for insuring the property after your divorce. If one of you is keeping the home, that person will need to purchase a new homeowner’s insurance policy.

If you are both moving out of the house, you should contact your insurance company to let them know. They may need to adjust the coverage on the property if it will be unoccupied for a period of time.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to report my divorce to my insurance companies?

A: Yes, it is important to report your divorce to your insurance companies so that they can update your policies and ensure that you have the coverage you need.

Q: Will my insurance rates go up after I get divorced?

A: It is possible that your insurance rates could be affected by your divorce. You may need to purchase new policies or adjust the coverage on your existing policies, which could result in higher premiums.

Q: Will my children be covered under my health insurance policy after my divorce?

A: It depends on your situation. You may need to purchase a separate health insurance policy for your children, or include them on a policy provided by one of the parents.

Q: Who is responsible for insuring a home after a divorce?

A: If one of the spouses is keeping the home, that person will need to purchase a new homeowner’s insurance policy. If both spouses are moving out, they should contact their insurance company to let them know.

Summary of Insurance Coverage Changes After Divorce
Insurance Type
Changes to Consider
Action to Take
Health Insurance
Loss of coverage under spouse’s policy
Find separate coverage through employer or government program
Auto Insurance
Separate policies needed
Notify insurance company, update names and addresses
Homeowner’s Insurance
New policy needed if one spouse keeps the home
Contact insurance company