How Married Couples Can Save on Car Insurance

Getting married comes with plenty of financial perks, including lower car insurance rates. On average, married drivers pay $127 per month for car insurance compared to $151 for single drivers, according to Compare.com data. That’s a monthly savings of $24 just for tying the knot.

Married couples tend to get cheaper rates because they file fewer claims, so insurers view them as less risky to insure. Plus, many insurance companies offer additional discounts that married couples can take advantage of, such as insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy.

Key Takeaways:

• Married couples’ car insurance rates are 14% lower than the national average.
• Liberty Mutual and Clearcover offer the cheapest average monthly premiums for married couples.
• Separate policies may be better for couples with differing driving records or insurance needs.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Married Drivers

Which car insurance companies are the most affordable for couples after the wedding day? In the table below, we’ve compared auto insurers and ranked the top five cheapest companies for married couples, according to our research.

Liberty Mutual has the cheapest rates for couples, with an average monthly premium of $105 — $22 less than the national average of $127 for married drivers. Clearcover is a close second, at $107 per month, offering $20 worth of monthly savings.

The General and SafeAuto have the highest premiums on this list, but prices still fall below the national average rate for married couples. Both insurance companies provide some discounts for married couples, which can further lower premiums.

If you want to maximize your savings, shopping around and comparing rates can help you weed out the most competitive options. Now let’s review how your marital status can affect your rates.

How Marital Status Affects Car Insurance Rates

Your relationship status plays a role in how much you pay for car insurance. Insurers look at marital status as one factor when determining risk and setting rates.

Why does marriage shrink car insurance costs? Statistically, drivers tend to have fewer accidents and claims after getting married, so insurers view them as more responsible drivers.

The table below shows how premiums can change based on marital status and compares rates for each to the national average for all drivers.

Rates are competitive for married couples and formerly married people, but single drivers pay the highest premiums, at $151 per month, with rates 2% above the national average.

And while married drivers pay less than single people, with rates falling 14% below the national average, widowed and divorced drivers get the lowest average monthly premiums — 16% and 18% below the national average, respectively.

Car Insurance Tips for Married Couples

Getting married can unlock several cost-saving opportunities for couples. From bundling policies and asking about discounts to streamlining policy options, you can access a range of savvy strategies to lower your auto insurance after the wedding. Let’s go over some of the top tips.

Insure multiple vehicles under the same auto policy

Combining your policies is one of the best auto insurance benefits married couples can get to reduce their auto premium. Most insurers offer a multi-vehicle discount if you’re adding two or more cars on the same policy, and the savings can really add up.

A multi-car discount is also more practical than having separate insurance for each spouse — you’ll only have one bill and one renewal date to worry about.

Look for a multi-policy discount

Now that you’re married, you may want to consider bundling your auto insurance with other policies, like home, renters, or life insurance, from the same company. You can ask your insurer about a multi-policy discount, commonly known as a bundling discount. Several insurers offer this discount when you bundle two or more policies.

Opting for a single insurer for various insurance needs is convenient and makes managing all your insurance coverages easier.

Consider a higher deductible

Some people choose a higher deductible to save money on their insurance costs. A deductible amount of $1,000 instead of $500 means you’ll pay more if you file a claim, but your car insurance bill will be less.

A higher deductible isn’t for everyone, so be sure you and your partner have enough savings to cover the higher out-of-pocket cost if something happens. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but a higher deductible can save you some cash in the long run.

Discounts for Married Couples

Being married makes you eligible for all sorts of car insurance discounts. Here are a few of the most common from some of the best car insurance companies:

• Military discount: If you or your spouse is in the military, you may qualify for a discount. Some insurers offer a price reduction to active duty, veterans, and their families as a way to say “thank you” for their service. For example, Clearcover has a 15% military discount, with an additional 25% savings for Louisiana drivers who are on active duty.
• Homeowner discount: If you and your spouse own a home, you can qualify for a discount when bundling your auto and homeowners insurance together. For example, Safeco will lower rates by up to 15%, while Liberty Mutual customers can save an average of $950.
• Good driver discount: A good driving record can lead to cheaper car insurance rates and safe driver discounts for you and your better half. For example, you can save up to 30% with Safeco, 22% with GEICO, and 34% with Progressive.
• Pay-in-full discount: A monthly payment option is common, but paying your policy in full can help you cut costs. Discount amounts vary by insurer, but Progressive gives you a discount for paying in one lump sum, and Liberty Mutual offers discounts for paying in one or two installments.

When Spouses Should Have Separate Policies

In many cases, it makes more sense for spouses to combine their auto policies to qualify for multi-vehicle and other discounts. But going solo on your policy may still be a good idea in certain situations.

For instance, if one of you has a less-than-perfect driving record with a few fender benders or speeding tickets, separate policies could save the safer driver some money. Insurers look at each driver’s risk profile when calculating rates, and mixing a risky driver with a safe one can hike up costs.

Different lifestyles and job demands can also influence your decision to have a joint car insurance policy. It’s worth considering separate policies if one of you needs full coverage because you own a high-value vehicle or are a high-mileage driver.

Can unmarried couples be on the same car insurance?

Yes, most insurers let you share an auto insurance policy if you and your partner are unmarried but living together. You may not qualify for the same rate reductions married couples enjoy, but you’re not without benefits. Multi-vehicle discounts and savings for having clean driving records are available to help you manage your insurance costs while living under the same roof.

Married Car Insurance FAQs

Blending your lives after walking down the aisle can lead to a lot of new decisions, like combining your car insurance. To make this process smoother, here are answers to common questions married couples have about car insurance.

Are spouses automatically covered by the other spouse’s car insurance?

It depends. Most car insurance policies cover spouses automatically. Some states even require it, even if the spouse isn’t explicitly named on the policy. But some insurers may require you to notify them to add your spouse. For peace of mind, you should always double-check your coverage to ensure you’re both protected.

How do you add your spouse to your car insurance?

To add your new spouse to your car insurance, simply contact your insurance company or insurance agent. Give them your spouse’s driving history and personal details, like date of birth and driver’s license number, and they’ll update your policy.

Will your insurance go up if you add your spouse?

It’s possible. Your car insurance cost can go up when adding a spouse to your policy, but it depends on their driving record. If they have a good driving history, your premiums might actually decrease. But you may see a rate jump if your spouse has a history of accidents or violations.

Is car insurance cheaper if you’re married or single?

Generally, married couples enjoy lower car insurance premiums than single drivers. If you’re married, insurers classify you as lower-risk, which often leads to more favorable rates. The average savings is 16% after tying the knot, according to our research.

Should you tell your car insurance company that you’re married?

Yes, you should tell your car insurance company when you get married. You’re more likely to pay less for car insurance after saying, “I do.” But most importantly, updating your marital status with your auto insurance company ensures you and your spouse have the protection you need if something happens.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. Idaho Department of Insurance, “Combining Insurance,” Accessed March 15, 2024.
2. Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel, “How is My Car Insurance Rate Calculated?,” Accessed March 15, 2024.
3. Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, “A Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance,” Accessed March 15, 2024.
4. NOLO, “Insurance Coverage for Unmarried Partners Living Together,” Accessed March 15, 2024.
5. NOLO, “Car Insurance: What Drivers and Vehicles are Covered?,” Accessed March 15, 2024.
6. Illinois Department of Insurance, “Civil Unions and Insurance Benefits,” Accessed March 15, 2024.
7. Wisconsin Office of the Insurance Commissioner, “Frequently Asked Questions – Automobile Insurance,” Accessed March 15, 2024.