Divorce Guide: 10 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Broker During Your Divorce

Divorce is a life-changing event that impacts every aspect of your life, including your insurance needs. From health coverage to auto policies, it’s crucial to ensure that your insurance plans reflect your new reality and provide the protection you and your family require. Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, but having the right guidance makes all the difference.

That’s where your insurance broker comes in. Asking the right questions during this transition can help you identify gaps in coverage, understand your options, and set yourself up for a secure future. Here are 10 essential questions to ask your insurance broker during your divorce to help you make informed decisions and protect what matters most.

10 essential questions to ask your insurance broker during divorce:

1. How will my health insurance coverage change after the divorce?

Why it’s essential: If you’re on your spouse’s employer-sponsored health plan, divorce may mean losing that coverage. Knowing your options for continuing or finding new coverage is vital.
How to ask: "My current health insurance is through my spouse’s plan. What steps should I take to ensure I have continuous coverage after the divorce?"

2. Do I need to update my life insurance policy beneficiaries?

Why it’s essential: Divorce often necessitates changing beneficiaries to ensure your life insurance payout aligns with your new circumstances and intentions.
How to ask: "Can you walk me through updating the beneficiaries on my life insurance policy? Are there any restrictions I should be aware of due to the divorce?"

3. What changes do I need to make to my homeowner's or renter's insurance?

Why it’s essential: If you’re moving out of your marital home or your living arrangements are changing, you’ll need to update your insurance policies to reflect your new residence.
How to ask: "I’m moving to a new place after the divorce. What adjustments should I make to my current homeowner's or renter's insurance policy?"

4. Should I modify my auto insurance policy?

Why it’s essential: If you or your spouse owned joint auto insurance, you’ll need separate policies to cover your individual vehicles.
How to ask: "What’s the process for splitting a joint auto insurance policy, and how can I ensure I maintain adequate coverage on my vehicle?"

5. Do I need additional coverage for child custody arrangements?

Why it’s essential: If your divorce includes shared custody, consider whether your current policies adequately cover your children’s needs in both households.
How to ask: "Do I need to adjust my policies to ensure my children are covered when they’re in my care? Are there special considerations for custody arrangements?"

6. What changes should I make to my disability insurance?

Why it’s essential: If you relied on a spouse for financial support, disability insurance can protect your income in case of an unforeseen event.
How to ask: "Should I revisit my disability insurance now that I’m single? What coverage level would be appropriate for my situation?"

7. Do I need umbrella insurance?

Why it’s essential: Divorce can introduce new financial risks, and umbrella insurance offers additional liability coverage beyond standard policies.
How to ask: "Would umbrella insurance be beneficial for me now that I’m managing my finances independently? What does it typically cover?"

8. How can I ensure I’m adequately covered for future changes?

Why it’s essential: Life after divorce often involves significant changes, such as career shifts or purchasing a new home. Planning ahead with your insurance broker can save you stress later.
How to ask: "What recommendations do you have for ensuring my insurance policies remain adaptable to future life changes?"

9. Are there discounts or adjustments available based on my new circumstances?

Why it’s essential: Dividing finances after a divorce can be tight, so finding savings on insurance premiums is a helpful step toward managing your budget.
How to ask: "Are there any discounts or policy adjustments I might qualify for now that my marital status has changed?"

10. What other policies should I consider now that I’m divorced?

Why it’s essential: Divorce might introduce the need for additional coverage, like long-term care insurance or more robust personal liability protection.
How to ask: "Given my new situation, are there any additional insurance policies you’d recommend to protect my assets and future?"

Remember, each divorce situation is unique, and these tips may not apply to every case. It's crucial to consult with professionals who can provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances.