Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 5/12/2009

Question
A married couple is going through a separation. They agree to share bills and keep policies in place for a certain period of time. Joint insurance auto policy premiums are paid and a new card issued (same in town agent for whole time). Wife is 'named insured'. Husband is listed a 'driver' on both vehicles (1 is registered to him solely). Wife gets upset days later, calls agent and tells them to remove the husband and his vehicle from their policy. They do. No notice to the husband. A letter to wife at a different address than they have used with agent for 8 yrs. They still have a joint homeowners policy with same agent. The husband has no idea about cancellation/amendment to his policy.
Question: What procedure is an agent to follow when a spouse calls to remove/cancel the other spouse's insurance?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

In most states, a husband and wife are considered to be a single entity. This means that either person can call and make changes to the policy without the others knowledge or consent. In this case especially, the wife was the "Named Insured", so she certainly would have the power to do what ever she wants with the policy. The husband is not entitled to be notified.

The insurance company is not responsible for keeping track of people who are seperated. Since they are seperated, it is best for them each to have their own policies anyway, which eliminates these kind of issues.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh