Will Your Partner's DUI Affect Your Car Insurance Rates in Oklahoma?

 Car insurance rates depend on various factors, including driving history, vehicle type, and location. A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can significantly impact rates. If your partner has a DUI, it’s natural to wonder whether it could affect your car insurance in Oklahoma. In this blog, we’ll explain how insurance companies assess risk, how a partner’s DUI could influence your rates, and what you can do to minimize any potential impact.

Insurance companies evaluate risk based on multiple factors. Some of the most common factors include:

• Driving Record: A clean driving record typically leads to lower rates. Accidents, traffic violations, and DUIs raise risk levels, increasing premiums.
• Vehicle Use: The frequency and purpose of vehicle use (e.g., commuting, personal use) affect rates.
• Policy Details: Coverage types, deductibles, and limits also impact premiums.

A DUI on your record makes you a high-risk driver, resulting in higher rates. But what happens if your partner has a DUI?

To understand how your partner’s DUI could affect your insurance, it’s important to know the difference between individual and shared policies.

1. Individual Policies
   If you and your partner maintain separate car insurance policies, their DUI will not directly impact your premium. However, there are exceptions:
        If their driving history influences shared responsibilities (e.g., joint ownership of a car), their DUI could indirectly impact your insurance.
2. Shared Policies
   When you and your partner share a policy, their DUI could increase the overall premium. Insurers assess risk for every driver on the policy. A high-risk driver raises the group’s risk profile, leading to higher rates.

Even if your partner’s DUI doesn’t directly affect your rates, certain circumstances could link their record to your policy:

1. Household Drivers
   In Oklahoma, insurers often consider the driving records of all licensed individuals in a household. If your partner lives with you, their record may be factored into your policy—even if they don’t drive your car.
2. Vehicle Ownership
   If you jointly own a vehicle, your partner’s driving history will be relevant. Their DUI could influence the vehicle’s insurance rate.
3. Named Drivers on the Policy
   Adding your partner as a named driver means their record will directly impact the premium. If they have a DUI, expect a noticeable increase in your rates.

Oklahoma requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. The minimum coverage includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

A DUI can complicate these requirements. If your partner’s license is suspended or revoked, they may need an SR-22 form, which confirms that they meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. This can further increase premiums for policies they are associated with.

A DUI conviction can stay on a driving record for several years. In Oklahoma, insurers typically review the past 3–5 years of driving history. Here’s how a DUI affects insurance:

1. Higher Premiums
   A DUI increases perceived risk, leading to higher premiums. Depending on the insurer, rates can increase by 50% or more.
2. Loss of Discounts
   Safe driver discounts and other savings are often revoked after a DUI, further raising costs.
3. Policy Non-Renewal
   Some insurers may refuse to renew a policy if a driver has a DUI. This could affect shared policies with your partner.

If your partner has a DUI, there are steps you can take to protect your own insurance rates:

1. Maintain Separate Policies
   Keeping individual policies can isolate their DUI’s impact. Ensure your insurer knows that your partner does not drive your vehicle.
2. Exclude High-Risk Drivers
   Most insurers allow you to exclude certain drivers from your policy. If your partner is excluded, their driving history won’t affect your rates. However, this means they won’t be covered if they drive your vehicle.
3. Shop Around for Quotes
   Different insurers weigh risk factors differently. Comparing quotes can help you find a policy that minimizes the impact of your partner’s DUI.
4. Drive Safely
   Maintain a clean driving record to qualify for discounts. Safe driving habits can offset some of the increased costs caused by a partner’s DUI.

1. Can I remove my partner from my policy to avoid higher rates?

Yes, you can remove your partner or exclude them from your policy. However, this requires that they have their own insurance policy.

2. Will my insurance company check my partner’s driving record?

Insurers often review the driving records of all household members, even if they aren’t listed on your policy.

3. How long does a DUI stay on a driving record in Oklahoma?

A DUI typically stays on record for 3–5 years. However, its impact on insurance rates may decrease over time if there are no additional violations.

4. Can my partner’s DUI affect my ability to get coverage?

In rare cases, some insurers may deny coverage if they perceive the household as too high-risk. Working with an independent agent can help you find alternative options.

In Oklahoma, your partner’s DUI can impact your car insurance rates if you share a policy, jointly own a vehicle, or live in the same household. However, maintaining separate policies, excluding high-risk drivers, and shopping around for quotes can help protect your rates. Understanding how insurers assess risk allows you to make informed decisions and minimize potential increases in premiums.



If you have questions about your car insurance or need guidance on finding the best coverage, contact Thrive Insurance today. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and secure the protection you need.