Why Car Insurance is Cheaper When Married – Save Big

Getting married changes many aspects of your life, including your car insurance premiums. I’ve been working in the insurance industry for over a decade, and one question I hear constantly is – why is car insurance cheaper when married

The simple answer is that married drivers typically save 10-15% on their car insurance compared to single drivers. But there’s much more to this story, and I’ll share everything you need to know about how marital status affects your auto insurance rates

Is Car Insurance Cheaper When You’re Married

Yes, car insurance is generally cheaper when you’re married. Married drivers may pay less for car insurance — up to 12% in some cases, with married drivers paying an average of $130 less for car insurance than single drivers

Insurance companies view married couples as lower-risk drivers based on statistical data they’ve collected over decades. This perception translates into real savings on your monthly premiums

When I first got married in 2018, my wife and I combined our policies and saw an immediate 8% reduction in our combined premiums. It wasn’t just the multi-car discount – our marital status actually qualified us for additional savings

Does Being Married Make Your Car Insurance Cheaper

Being married does make your car insurance cheaper in most states. Single, divorced or widowed drivers may pay an average of 15 percent more for insurance than married couples in most states, with a married driver in the U.S. paying around 15% less for car insurance than a single driver

The reasons insurance companies offer these discounts include-

Statistical Risk Assessment Insurance companies have decades of data showing married drivers file fewer claims and have fewer accidents. They’re seen as more responsible and cautious behind the wheel

Financial Stability Married couples often have more stable financial situations, making them less likely to let their insurance lapse or file frivolous claims

Shared Responsibility Having a spouse often means someone else is looking out for your safety and holding you accountable for safe driving habits

Car Insurance Rates for Married vs Single Drivers

The difference in car insurance rates between married and single drivers varies by insurance company, but the gap is significant across the board

Average Annual Premiums by Marital Status

Based on data from The Zebra, here are rough estimations about annual car insurance premiums for married and single drivers:

Insurance Company	Married Drivers	Single Drivers	Savings
Allstate	$1,390	$1,446	$56
GEICO	$1,076	$1,088	$12
Farmers	$1,280	$1,472	$192
Liberty Mutual	Varies	Varies	10-15%

When comparing auto insurance rates for married vs. single drivers, a married adult typically pays $36 less monthly than a single adult

I’ve seen clients save anywhere from $200 to $600 annually just by updating their marital status after getting married. The exact savings depend on your insurance company, location, and driving history

What Factors Contribute to Lower Rates for Married People

Several factors explain why married people get lower car insurance rates-

Lower Claim Frequency Married drivers file fewer claims on average. Insurance companies track this data carefully and adjust rates accordingly

Reduced Risk Behavior Studies show married people engage in fewer risky driving behaviors like speeding, aggressive driving, or driving under the influence

Bundle Benefits Married couples often bundle multiple policies (home, auto, life insurance) with the same company, earning additional discounts

Stable Living Situations Married couples typically have more stable addresses and lifestyles, which insurance companies associate with lower risk

Age Factor Most people who get married are older than single drivers on average, and age correlates with safer driving

I’ve noticed in my practice that married clients also tend to drive newer, safer vehicles and live in suburban areas with lower crime rates – all factors that contribute to lower premiums

Do Married Couples Pay Less for Car Insurance

Yes, married couples pay less for car insurance in most situations. However, there are some important exceptions to consider-

When Both Spouses Have Clean Records If both you and your spouse have clean driving records, combining policies will almost always save money

When One Spouse Has a Poor Record If your spouse has accidents, DUIs, or multiple violations, adding them to your policy could increase your rates

State Regulations Some states prohibit using marital status in rate calculations, so the savings may not apply everywhere

I always advise my clients to run quotes both ways – as a joint policy and separate policies – to see which option saves more money

How Much Do Single Drivers Pay for Car Insurance

While differences in premium costs varied among insurers, some single policyholders were found to be paying up to 34% more than married drivers

Single drivers face higher rates for several reasons-

Higher Risk Perception Insurance companies view single drivers as higher risk based on statistical claims data

No Multi-Policy Discounts Single drivers miss out on many bundling opportunities available to married couples

Demographic Factors Single drivers are often younger, and younger drivers have higher accident rates

Less Stable Lifestyle Insurance companies associate marriage with stability, responsibility, and lower risk

The average single driver pays between $1,200-$1,800 annually for car insurance, depending on their age, location, and coverage level

Should I Add My Spouse to My Car Insurance

Adding your spouse to your car insurance usually makes financial sense, but it depends on several factors-

Pros of Adding Your Spouse

• Potential premium savings of 10-15%
• Simplified billing and management
• Better coverage coordination
• Multi-car discounts if you own multiple vehicles

Cons of Adding Your Spouse

• Higher rates if spouse has poor driving record
• Potential liability for spouse’s accidents
• Loss of individual good driver discounts

I recommend getting quotes both ways before making a decision. In about 80% of cases I’ve handled, adding the spouse saves money overall

Joint Policy vs Separate Policy – How to Make the Right Decision

Choosing between joint and separate policies requires careful consideration of your specific situation

When Joint Policies Work Best

Both Have Clean Records If both spouses have good driving histories, joint policies typically offer the best rates

Similar Coverage Needs When both spouses need similar coverage levels and deductibles

Want Simplified Management One policy means one bill, one renewal date, and easier claim management

When Separate Policies Make Sense

Different Risk Profiles If one spouse has a poor driving record, separate policies might be cheaper

Different Vehicle Types Specialty or high-performance vehicles might need different coverage approaches

Credit Score Differences In states where credit affects rates, separate policies might benefit the spouse with better credit

I’ve found that about 75% of married couples benefit from joint policies, but it’s worth checking both options annually

Which States Prohibit Using Marital Status in Pricing

Not all states allow insurance companies to consider marital status when setting rates. Michigan fully bans the use of marital status in insurance rate calculations. Massachusetts fully prohibits pricing differences based on marital status. Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan do not allow insurers to base rates on marital status

States with Full Prohibitions

• Michigan – Complete ban on marital status pricing
• Massachusetts – Full prohibition on marital status differences
• Hawaii – Cannot use marital status in rate calculations

States with Partial Restrictions

• Maryland – Prohibits premium increases for widowed drivers
• Montana – Limited restrictions on marital status usage

If you live in these states, getting married won’t directly affect your car insurance rates through marital status discounts, but you might still save through other married-couple benefits like multi-policy discounts

How Does Car Insurance Change After a Divorce

Divorce significantly impacts your car insurance situation. Here’s what typically happens-

Immediate Changes Needed

• Remove ex-spouse from policy
• Update beneficiary information
• Change address if moving
• Adjust coverage levels if income changes

Rate Impact Your rates will likely increase since you’ll lose the married driver discount. I’ve seen divorced clients face premium increases of 15-25%

Asset Protection You may need higher liability limits to protect assets in divorce settlements

Timeline Considerations Most insurance companies require notification within 30 days of significant life changes like divorce

I always recommend contacting your insurance company immediately after filing for divorce to discuss your options and avoid coverage gaps

How Does Your Relationship Status Affect Auto Insurance Rates

Your relationship status affects auto insurance rates in several ways beyond just married vs single-

Married Lowest rates in most states due to perceived stability and responsibility

Single Higher rates, especially for younger single drivers

Divorced Often pay similar rates to single drivers, losing married discounts

Widowed Some states like Maryland prohibit rate increases for widowed drivers

Domestic Partnership Most insurers treat domestic partners similarly to married couples for rate purposes

I’ve noticed that even long-term committed relationships can sometimes qualify for married rates if you can demonstrate financial interdependence

Average Car Insurance Costs for Single and Married Drivers

Understanding the actual dollar amounts can help you budget and make informed decisions

National Averages (2025)

Married Drivers

• Average annual premium- $1,200-$1,500
• Monthly cost- $100-$125
• Typical savings vs single- 10-15%

Single Drivers

• Average annual premium- $1,400-$1,800
• Monthly cost- $115-$150
• Higher rates especially under age 25

Divorced/Widowed Drivers

• Average annual premium- $1,300-$1,700
• Monthly cost- $110-$140
• Rates similar to single drivers

These averages vary significantly based on location, age, driving record, and coverage levels. I’ve seen married couples in rural areas pay as little as $800 annually, while single drivers in major cities might pay $3,000 or more

Is Offering Lower Rates to Married Couples Legal

Yes, offering lower rates to married couples is legal in most states. Insurance companies can use marital status as a rating factor because they can demonstrate actuarial justification – married drivers statistically have fewer claims

Legal Requirements

• Must have actuarial data supporting rate differences
• Cannot be discriminatory without statistical basis
• Must comply with state insurance regulations

Consumer Protection States regulate insurance rates to ensure they’re not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory

The practice is considered legal because it’s based on risk assessment rather than arbitrary discrimination

Getting a Joint Insurance Policy for Married Couples

Setting up a joint policy is usually straightforward, but there are important steps to follow-

Preparation Steps

1. Gather both spouses’ driver’s license information
2. Collect vehicle information for all cars
3. Review current coverage levels and needs
4. Check both spouses’ driving records

Application Process

1. Contact your insurance company or agent
2. Provide required documentation
3. Review and compare coverage options
4. Select appropriate deductibles and limits

Important Considerations

• Choose primary policyholder carefully
• Ensure both names are on vehicle titles
• Update beneficiary information
• Consider umbrella insurance for additional protection

I recommend shopping around with multiple insurers when combining policies, as some companies offer better married couple rates than others

How Getting Married Affects Your No Claims Bonus

Your no claims bonus (also called a good driver discount) is typically preserved when you get married, but the specifics depend on your insurance company

Typical Scenarios

Combining Policies

• Each spouse usually keeps their individual no claims history
• The policy shows the best record for rate calculation
• Years of claims-free driving transfer to joint policy

Switching Companies

• Most insurers honor previous no claims bonuses
• May need to provide proof of claims history
• Some companies offer better rates for extensive claims-free records

I’ve helped clients combine policies where one spouse had 10 years claims-free and the other had 5 years – they received the benefit of the 10-year record on their joint policy

Adding Your Spouse vs Separate Policies

The decision between adding your spouse to your existing policy or maintaining separate policies depends on multiple factors I evaluate with each client

Financial Analysis I always run both scenarios to see which saves more money. About 3 out of 4 times, the joint policy wins

Coverage Coordination Joint policies eliminate gaps and overlaps in coverage, which can be crucial during accidents

Claim Management One policy means simpler claim processes, but also means both drivers are affected by any claims

Managing Name Changes After Marriage

Getting married often involves name changes that affect your insurance

Required Updates

• Driver’s license with new name
• Vehicle registration and title
• Insurance policy documentation
• Credit cards and banking information

Timeline Most states give you 30-60 days to update your driver’s license after name change

Insurance Company Notification Contact your insurer as soon as you legally change your name to avoid claim complications

I’ve seen claims delayed because the name on the policy didn’t match the name on the driver’s license after marriage

Insuring Your Spouse’s Vehicle

When you get married, you’ll need to decide how to handle vehicle ownership and insurance

Options Available

1. Add spouse’s car to your existing policy
2. Add yourself to spouse’s existing policy
3. Get new joint policy covering both vehicles
4. Keep separate policies (rarely optimal)

Ownership Considerations Both spouses should be listed on vehicle titles for proper insurance coverage

Most married couples find option 3 (new joint policy) provides the best rates and coverage coordination

Staying on Parents’ Insurance After Marriage

Many young adults wonder if they can stay on their parents’ car insurance after getting married

General Rules

• Most insurers allow married children to stay on parents’ policies if living at home
• Moving to separate residence usually requires separate policy
• Parents’ rates may increase with married child’s coverage

When It Makes Sense

• Young married couples living with parents temporarily
• Significant cost savings compared to separate policy
• Parents comfortable with liability exposure

I usually recommend transitioning to your own policy within 6-12 months of marriage for better long-term financial planning

What to Do If You Want to Sell Your Car After Getting married

Marriage often prompts couples to consolidate vehicles, and selling a car requires specific insurance considerations

Before Selling

1. Check if you owe more than car’s worth
2. Review gap insurance coverage
3. Notify insurance company of intent to sell
4. Arrange coverage for any replacement vehicle

After Sale

1. Cancel coverage on sold vehicle
2. Apply any premium refund to remaining coverage
3. Update policy for any new vehicles

I’ve helped many newlyweds navigate this process, and proper timing can save hundreds in unnecessary premiums

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is car insurance cheaper when married?

Car insurance is cheaper when married because insurance companies view married drivers as lower risk based on statistical data showing they have fewer accidents and file fewer claims

Does being married make your car insurance cheaper?

Yes, being married typically makes car insurance 10-15% cheaper compared to single drivers in most states

Does getting married make car insurance cheaper?

Getting married usually makes car insurance cheaper through marital status discounts and opportunities to bundle policies

Does being married lower car insurance?

Being married does lower car insurance rates in most states, with savings averaging $130 annually compared to single drivers

Does getting married lower car insurance?

Getting married typically lowers car insurance rates through married driver discounts and multi-policy savings opportunities

Is car insurance cheaper if married?

Car insurance is generally cheaper if married, with potential savings of 10-34% depending on the insurance company and your location

Do married or single people pay more for car insurance?

Single people pay more for car insurance than married people in most states, with single drivers paying an average of 15% more

Which group pays more for car insurance married or single?

Single drivers pay more for car insurance than married drivers due to higher perceived risk and fewer discount opportunities

Do married couples pay less for car insurance?

Yes, married couples typically pay less for car insurance than single drivers, with average savings of $130 annually

Does Being Married Lower Your Car Insurance?

Being married does lower your car insurance in most states through marital status discounts and better risk classification

How much do single drivers pay for car insurance?

Single drivers pay an average of $1,400-$1,800 annually for car insurance, which is 10-15% more than married drivers

Should I Add My Spouse to My Car Insurance?

You should add your spouse to your car insurance if they have a clean driving record, as this typically saves 10-15% on premiums

How does car insurance change after a divorce?

Car insurance rates typically increase 15-25% after divorce due to loss of married driver discounts and need for separate policies

How does your relationship status affect auto insurance rates?

Relationship status affects auto insurance rates significantly, with married drivers receiving the lowest rates and single/divorced drivers paying premium rates

Can I exclude my spouse from my car insurance in Florida?

In Florida, you can exclude your spouse from your car insurance policy, but they cannot drive any vehicles covered by your policy

Conclusion

Understanding why car insurance is cheaper when married can help you make smart financial decisions about your coverage. The average married couple saves 10-15% on their car insurance compared to single drivers, translating to hundreds of dollars annually

I’ve helped thousands of couples navigate these decisions over my career, and the key is understanding your specific situation. While marriage typically leads to lower rates, factors like driving records, vehicle types, and state regulations all play important roles

Remember to shop around when your marital status changes, as different insurance companies offer varying levels of married couple discounts. The savings from getting married are real, but maximizing those savings requires careful planning and comparison shopping.

Whether you’re newly married or have been married for years, reviewing your car insurance annually ensures you’re getting the best rates available for your situation.