Auto Insurance Rates for Married vs. Single Drivers
When comparing auto insurance rates for married vs. single drivers, a married adult typically pays $36 less monthly for auto insurance than a single adult. Married couples are shown to be less likely to file claims and can earn joint policy discounts by buying auto insurance together.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 25, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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When comparing auto insurance rates for married vs. single drivers, a married driver typically pays for auto insurance annually compared to an unmarried, single motorist.
Although being married doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a great driver, historical research indicates that married couples are likelier to share driving duties. As a result, each driver makes fewer claims, which lowers their risk to the insurance company and makes it easier to save at the cheapest auto insurance companies.
Let’s examine average car insurance costs by marital status and savings advice for everyone. Whether you are married or single, find the best auto insurance rates by using our free quote tool.
- Your relationship status will impact the cost of your car insurance
- Married couples have options to get lower car insurance costs with discounts
- There are factors to think about when deciding to get joint auto insurance
Your Relationship Status and Auto Insurance Rates
How does your relationship status impact the cost of auto insurance? Your current marital status influences your auto insurance rates. Married drivers often pay less for auto insurance because they are thought to be more financially stable and safe drivers.
This table compares the average car insurance rates by marital status for male and female drivers:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Marital Status
Insurance Company Single Adult Married Adult
$291 $125
$208 $165
$250 $176
$193 $177
$353 $177
$232 $189
$227 $191
$204 $206
$201 $254
U.S. Average $233 $197
A married driver typically saves around $36 less a month on auto insurance over a single, widowed, or divorced driver.
Keep in mind that the cost of your auto insurance will vary depending on your driving record, the state you reside in, and other considerations. Compare quotes from at least three different companies to get the best possible rates.
Find the best auto insurance companies for married couples to see how much you could save.
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Auto Insurance Rates After Marriage
Even if you have a perfect driving record, reliable work, and good credit, you should be aware that your marital status is another variable that may impact your insurance quotes.
Your auto insurance rates can significantly vary depending on whether you’re single, married, divorced, or widowed. So, who pays more for auto insurance, married or single drivers?
Not everyone who marries will experience savings on the average cost of car insurance for married couples because the rating factors for marital status might differ by insurer and state.Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer
In fact, you can pay even more for auto insurance if you purchase a joint policy and your spouse has a bad driving record. Therefore, addressing your driving history before deciding to buy a joint policy is a smart idea.
Keep things separate if one individual has an excellent driving record and the other does not. You can always browse around and compare quotes for an individual versus joint policy to check your potential prices.
Even if you have separate policies, you might still need to list your spouse on your policy if you live together. You can then request a named-driver exclusion, acknowledging the party in your home without affecting your rates.
That person shouldn’t drive your car and won’t be protected by your insurance. However, this choice might not be available in all states. Learn how to get cheap auto insurance for a bad driving record.
Factors Affecting Married Couple Auto Insurance Rates
Although it may seem unfair, many insurance companies argue that it makes sense for married people to pay less for their auto insurance.
There are numerous factors that affect auto insurance rates for married couples. Insurance companies consider the following elements when offering cheaper auto insurance to married couples:
- Bundling Insurance Policies: Married people are more likely to buy home or life insurance, which leads to bundling discounts on auto insurance.
- More Secure Financial Situation: Couples who are married are more inclined to pool their resources and pay for auto repairs themselves than file a claim.
- Qualifying for Discounts: Married couples are more likely to have more than one vehicle and be eligible for multi-driver discounts in addition to owning a property and having life insurance.
- Lower Mileage: Because married couples are expected to share driving duties, each person spends less time behind the wheel.
Insurers operate on the premise that married people drive more safely and have fewer accidents. Additionally, they are thought to drive less recklessly than single people.
How to Get the Best Auto Insurance Rates for Married Couples
Married couples’ auto insurance savings vary by company, state, and your personal driving history. The best auto insurance companies for married couples will include coverage for all household vehicles with higher liability limits.
Your policy should also include elements of full coverage auto insurance, such as collision and comprehensive insurance. To strengthen your protection against uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road, you might wish to consider stacking uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) in your shared auto insurance policy.
Adding additional insurance like UIM and full coverage will raise your rates. However, if you and your spouse have clean driving records, you can save money on your car insurance if you’re married and shop around for a good deal.
Married Couple Auto Insurance Discounts
Is it legal to give married couples a discount? Insurance companies aim to accomplish two opposing goals when setting rates — reducing claims and finding customers who will buy multiple lines of insurance. Married couples earn discounts with many insurers because they are less likely to drive recklessly and file claims and more likely to buy other types of coverage.
While it’s not illegal to offer auto insurance discounts to married couples, California is one state that has fought back. The state of California approved Proposition 103 in 1998, limiting non-driving factors’ use in determining vehicle insurance rates.
Since this law was passed, insurance providers are now required to base premiums on three factors — annual mileage, experience, and driving history. Companies can only leverage additional elements after utilizing these three first.
Depending on your marital status, several insurance providers frequently give savings on car insurance for couples. However, be sure to know your spouse’s driving history because a bad driving record can raise your rates. Additionally, once you get married, don’t be afraid to compare multiple insurance companies to see if you can find any additional auto discounts.
Deciding to Add a Spouse to Your Auto Insurance Policy
Wondering does my spouse have to be on my auto insurance policy? Just because you’re married does not automatically mean that you will qualify for lower rates on car insurance after marriage.
For instance, the cost of car insurance when married may increase if you marry someone with a problematic driving history. Adding a high-risk driver will raise your rates if you have a clean record.
Some factors to consider before adding your spouse to your insurance are the following:
- Received a conviction for DUI/DWI
- Possess little or bad credit
- Possess little to no prior driving experience
- Travel a long distance or operate a risky vehicle
- Are less than 25 years of age
You both need to decide whether you want to include your spouse or not. Remember that other factors affect insurance rates, including occupation and ZIP code. Ask your insurer for assistance if you have additional questions about your policy.
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Buying Auto Insurance for Married vs. Single Drivers
Regardless of whether you are single or married, comparison shopping is always a smart option. It would be best if you took the time to compare as many insurance companies as you can. We recommend comparing three or more local insurers (Learn More: How to Get Multiple Auto Insurance Quotes) .
Getting married alters many aspects of your life, including the cost of your auto insurance. Generally, married drivers pay less than single drivers, but rates will vary based on your and your spouse's driving records.Daniel Walker Licensed Insurance Agent
Enter your ZIP in our free tool to get free auto insurance quotes for married couples based on your driving history and where you live. It will almost certainly end up saving you a lot of money on single or married car insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse need to be added to the auto policy?
Once you are married, almost all insurance companies will demand that you include your spouse on your policy due to the increased probability that they will operate your car.
While it is possible to keep two different policies for your cars, each policy should cover both spouses. Some insurance companies will demand that all the family’s vehicles be listed on the same policy. Additionally, it is typically more cost-effective to cover your and your spouse’s vehicles under one policy instead of maintaining separate policies for each vehicle.
What factors influence the cost of my car insurance?
Due to the many personal aspects, auto insurance rates differ from driver to driver. The cost can vary depending on your residence, the car you drive, how many miles you travel annually, and your driving history. Insurance companies also take your credit rating, gender, and marital status may also be taken into account.
Why does marital status affect car insurance?
Insurers frequently expect married policyholders to be safer drivers than unmarried people and offer auto insurance discounts to married couples. However, this isn’t just their viewpoint. According to statistics, married drivers experience fewer collisions than single drivers and file fewer insurance claims.
Do auto insurance rates differ for married and single drivers?
Yes, auto insurance rates can vary between married and single drivers. Insurance companies often consider marital status as one of the factors when determining premium rates.
Does being married lower insurance?
In many cases, yes. Insurance companies often perceive married drivers as being more responsible and less prone to risky driving behaviors, which can result in lower premium rates.
What are the potential advantages for married drivers when it comes to auto insurance rates?
There are several advantages for married drivers, such as:
- Potential Discounts: Some insurance companies offer specific discounts for married couples, resulting in lower premiums.
- Combined Policies: Married couples may be able to combine their auto insurance policies into a family policy, which can lead to reduced rates compared to having separate policies (Learn More: Cheap Auto Insurance for Families With Multiple Drivers).
- Lower Perceived Risk: Insurance companies often view married drivers as being more stable and responsible, which can result in lower rates on the best car insurance for married couples.
Generally, married drivers will get better deals on auto insurance policies due to the above factors.
Are there any disadvantages for married drivers in terms of auto insurance rates?
There are a few disadvantages. Combining policies may result in higher rates if one spouse has a poor driving record, even with a car insurance marriage discount. Married drivers may also lose out on certain individual discounts they had as single drivers, as these discounts may not be applicable when policies are combined.
How much does single-driver auto insurance cost?
The average cost of full coverage auto insurance for a single driver in the U.S. starts at $193 per month. Compare this to a married adult whose rates start at $125 per month.
Since this data is based on averages, your single-driver car insurance rates may vary according to your age, credit score, driving record, and car. Find affordable auto insurance, regardless of marital status, with our free quote tool.
Does divorce have an impact on auto insurance?
Divorce can affect your car insurance rates. When you’re married, you are co-owners of the policy. You will require separate insurance if you get divorced and move into separate houses, and applying for divorced or single car insurance will affect your monthly rates.
To secure adequate coverage, it’s crucial to include your children as drivers on both of your insurance plans if they have access to either your or your ex-insured spouse’s automobiles (Learn More: Cheap Auto Insurance for Teens of Divorced Parents).
Who pays more for car insurance, married or single drivers?
When it comes to married vs. single car insurance, the typical married couple will pay less for an insurance policy.
Why is auto insurance cheaper if you are married?
Statistics show that married drivers are safer drivers. Married couples also submit fewer claims than unmarried, divorced, or bereaved motorists, so insurance companies categorize them as less risky to insure and lower the cost of couples’ car insurance.
Further, homeowners who are married are more likely to bundle their policies, cover several vehicles, and ensure both the policyholder and their spouse are under one policy. This is how married couples qualify for more discounts and savings when it comes to single vs. married auto insurance policies.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.