Congratulations on getting married! Now, it's time to think about insurance options. If you or your spouse changed your last name, it’s important to update your car insurance coverage. You’ll want to make sure the name on your insurance matches the one on your driver’s licence. So, if you've recently changed your name, what should you do? Can you actually update the legal name on both your driver’s licence and car insurance? Let’s find out.
Can you change the name on your car insurance?
Yes, you can definitely change the name on your car insurance policy. Whether it's due to a big life change like a recent marriage or any other reason, it's possible to make the update. Just remember to notify your insurance company as soon as possible!
How do you change your name after marriage according to your policy?
One of the main reasons people update their name with their insurance provider is because of marriage. Fortunately, changing your name on your insurance is a pretty straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Update your name on your driver's licence
You might not realize it, but your driver’s licence number is actually based on your first and last name, along with your birthdate. So, if you change your name, you’ll get a completely new driver’s licence number, too! So, before you change your name on your policy, you'll need to update your driver's licence. In most cases, you’ll need to change your name in person at a driver services center, like a ServiceOntario in Ontario.
Gather your supporting documents
Once you have your new licence, make sure you have the right paperwork ready. This includes proof of marriage/marriage certificate, your vehicle registration, insurance documents, and your updated driver's licence.
Contact your insurance provider
With your new driver's licence number ready to go, go ahead and contact your insurance company and let them know you’d like to update your name on your policy. They’ll ask for proof of registration, including your updated driver’s licence, and you’ll likely need to fill out a request form. Once everything is verified, they’ll start the process.
Receive your new documents
After the name change is processed, your insurance company will issue new documents under your updated name. This is a good time to review your coverage to make sure it still meets your needs. Once you’re all set, make copies and store them in your glove compartment for easy access! It's best to keep the originals somewhere safe in your home, which only you have access to.
What happens if my policy doesn't match my driver's licence or vehicle registration?
If your name doesn’t match your documents, it could lead to issues down the road. For one, insurance providers might deny you coverage if the name on your car registration or licence doesn’t match your insurance. Some companies will only issue a policy if the insured person’s name matches the vehicle registration and driver's licence.
Also, using different names for your car insurance, registration, or driver’s licence can cause headaches when you file a claim. If you forget to update your name, your insurance company may think it was done intentionally to hide a ticket or claim that you should have been surcharged for. In this case, your claim may even be denied for material misrepresentation. You'll then have to prove to your insurance company that this isn't the reason why you didn't change your name.
How your new driver’s licence number can affect your premium
When getting car insurance quotes, you’ll be asked a series of questions, including what your driver’s licence number is. That number is used to pull up your records in two places in Ontario:
- The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to see how long you’ve been licensed and whether you have any tickets on your record.
- Autoplus report, which looks at your insurance history, including how long you’ve been insured, any claims you’ve made, and whether you’ve ever been cancelled for non-payment.
The MTO's system automatically links your old and new licence numbers if you’ve changed your name. However, Autoplus doesn’t have this link, so if you changed your name five years ago, your broker might only see five years of insurance history, even if you’ve actually been insured for 30 years.
Since insurance companies offer discounts based on things like years of insurance experience and consecutive years without a claim, this can affect your quote. Depending on the timing of your name change, you might not be getting credit for all your insurance history, which could cost you hundreds of dollars.
So, if you're planning to change your name soon, it's a good idea to visit ServiceOntario first and order a driver’s history report before making the change. This report will include your licence number and other details about your driving experience. After the name change, be sure to provide both your old and new licence numbers whenever you're shopping for insurance to ensure your full driving history is considered.
Does my new marital status affect my auto insurance policy?
It can. Your marital status can impact your car insurance rates, depending on where in Canada you live and your insurance provider. Car insurance companies know that married drivers tend to be older than single drivers, which usually means more years of driving experience and a longer insurance history. They might also assume that married people drive more carefully—especially if they have kids in the car since they’re likely to drive more cautiously to protect their family and set a good example. This can lead to lower insurance rates.
However, another reason your rates might change is that if you and your spouse live together, both of you could be driving the insured vehicle, even if only one name is on the policy. This can affect how the insurance provider views the risk of insuring that car.
Do all provinces use marital status as a factor in determining rates?
No, not everywhere in Canada uses marital status to determine your car insurance rates. While insurance providers across the country can ask about your marital status, only certain provinces actually factor it into your risk profile and set your rates based on it. For example, in Ontario, insurance companies do consider marital status when assessing risk and setting rates. Alberta and Quebec do the same.
However, in places like Manitoba and British Columbia, insurance companies don’t factor in marital status when determining your rates. Nova Scotia has even taken it a step further by banning insurers from denying or renewing policies based on whether you’re married or not.
Keep in mind that not all car insurance companies use marital status to calculate your rates, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare options when looking for auto insurance coverage.
What other factors help determine auto insurance premiums?
Marriage isn't the only factor that insurance companies use to determine car insurance premiums. When figuring out your premium, insurers may look at several factors, including:
- The make, model, trim, year, and safety features of your vehicle
- Your current driver’s licence class
- Your personal driving record (as well as the records of other drivers in your household listed on your policy)
- Your driving history
- Your age, gender, and marital status
- Where you live
- How often you drive, and your yearly mileage
- Your coverage limits and deductibles
- Your insurance history
Should married couples consider combining auto insurance policies?
Yes, as long as both of you have clean driving records, combining your car insurance policies can be a smart move. While it’s not required, it often makes sense for couples. By merging policies, you can qualify for discounts and lower rates, especially if both drivers have a good track record. Insurance companies tend to offer better rates for married couples, and you could also get a multi-car discount for multiple-car insurance policies.
A joint car insurance policy also means both spouses are covered to drive any of the insured vehicles, making day-to-day driving more convenient. Plus, with just one policy, you only need to worry about one payment and one renewal date.
And let's not forget about the magic of bundling. When you first get married, there’s a good chance you and your partner are insured with different companies. Maybe one of you owns a car, and the other owns a home, each insured by separate providers. As you start your married lives together, it’s a good idea to review all your insurance policies to see if bundling them together under the same insurance provider could save you money. Bundled policies, like car and home insurance, often come with discounts, and it’s more convenient to handle payments with just one company.
When should married couples keep their car insurance separate?
While combining car insurance policies can be beneficial, there are times when it might make sense for married couples to have separate car insurance policies. For instance, if your spouse has a poor driving record or low credit score (depending on your province), having separate policies could save you money.
Commute differences can also affect rates. If one spouse works from home while the other has a long drive to a high-risk area, separate policies might be more cost-effective. Even if both of you have clean records, it could still be worth considering separate policies if one of you drives a more expensive car, like a high-end sports car, which is more costly to insure.
After getting married or moving in together, it’s always a good idea to talk with your insurance broker or provider to figure out whether joint or separate policies are the best option for your situation.
Does being married lower car insurance in Canada?
It can. Insurance companies often provide lower rates for married couples, and you might qualify for a multi-car discount if you insure more than one vehicle, saving you money. You can also enjoy even more insurance savings by bundling your policies, like auto and home insurance.
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name in Ontario?
Yes, the vehicle owner’s name has to be listed on the insurance policy. In fact, only the registered owner of a car can actually buy insurance for it. However, if you’re someone who drives regularly but doesn’t own a car, you can still get a type of coverage called non-owner car insurance.
Will my marital status influence my car insurance premium in Canada?
It can, as some insurance companies, factor in your marital status when setting rates in Canada. And sorry to say it, but married and common-law couples often get lower rates because insurers often think couples are more responsible drivers and less likely to get into accidents. However, not all insurers consider marital status. That's why working with an insurance broker can help you compare different companies to find the best plan for you, no matter your status.
How can I change the name on my car insurance policy?
First, as soon as you receive proof of name change, you need to update your licence and registration with your new name. Then, to change the name on your policy, contact your insurance provider and let them know about your change in marital status and that you want to change your name. You’ll likely need to fill out a request form, and once everything is verified, they’ll start the process.
Do I need to update my car insurance to reflect my married name?
Yes, it's important to ensure the name on your insurance matches your driver's license to avoid any billing issues, claims problems, or other hassles that can come from mismatched records.
Can insurance protect my wedding ring?
Yes, you can insure jewellery, including wedding rings, to protect against loss, theft, damage, and even disappearance. Since valuable items like wedding rings are often expensive to replace, having jewellery insurance can be very beneficial.
Call BrokerLink today
Be sure to reach out to your BrokerLink broker whenever you go through a major life change, like getting married. It's important to keep your information up to date! You don't want to miss out on the possibility of lower insurance rates or having your insurance claim denied.
Our licensed insurance experts are also here to review your situation and make sure your coverage fits your needs. We can even help you decide whether joint or separate insurance policies work best for you and your spouse. Contact us today by phone or email, or visit us at any of our locations across Canada to learn more!
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