In This Review:
- Should You Add A Spouse To Your Insurance Policy?
- How To Add Your Husband Or Wife To Your Car Insurance
- When Not To Add A Spouse
- Our Recommendations For Car Insurance
- Adding Spouse To Car Insurance: Our Take
- Adding Spouse To Car Insurance: FAQ
Dash Lewis
Dash Lewis Content Writer
01/16/2024 11:19 PM
Key Points:
- Adding your spouse to your auto insurance policy is typically cheaper than having two separate policies.
- Failing to add your spouse to your car insurance policy could be a violation of your insurance contract.
- The only real reason not to add your spouse to your auto insurance policy is if they have a bad driving record.
Thinking about adding a spouse to your car insurance policy? In most cases, it’s a good idea. Insurance companies expect that drivers will let others borrow their cars, especially spouses. But what are the benefits of adding your spouse to your car insurance, and should you always do it? In this article, we examine those questions to help you decide.
Once you’re married, it’s good to reassess your car insurance options. If you want to find the best car insurance company, be sure to shop around and compare quotes. Enter your zip code below to get a few free, personalized quotes for your vehicle.
Compare Car Insurance Rates
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area
Powered by
Why Trust Quartz Advisor
Our editorial team follows a strict and comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing pet insurance providers. Our scores are not impacted by advertisers.
27
Companies rated
105
Hours researching
2,700
Quotes collected
Should You Add A Spouse To Your Insurance Policy?
Most insurance companies require you to add your spouse to your car insurance policy. In fact, you’re generally supposed to list all licensed drivers in your household on your policy. Insurance companies assume these people may regularly use your car.
Failure to add your spouse to your insurance policy after they move in with you could be a violation of your auto insurance contract. If your spouse gets into an accident with your car and wasn’t listed on your policy, your claim may be denied.
Even if you aren’t required to add your spouse to your insurance, it’s usually worth doing so anyway. The benefits may differ depending on whether you and your spouse share or drive separate cars, but in both cases, it’s typically recommended to be listed on one another’s policies.
My Spouse And I Have One Vehicle We Share
If you and your spouse share a vehicle, your spouse needs to be added to your coverage. Your rates are likely to go up when you add another person to your car insurance policy, but it’s cheaper than buying a second policy for your spouse.
If your spouse has a better driving record and credit score, you might even consider registering the car in your spouse’s name and having them listed as the primary policyholder. This might lead to cheaper car insurance rates.
My Spouse And I Have Our Own Vehicles
Even if you and your spouse have separate vehicles, you should consider getting listed on one another’s policies. While adding a spouse to your policy may increase insurance costs slightly, the benefits outweigh any drawbacks.
If you consolidate your current policies under the same insurer, you will likely qualify for a multi-car discount. With this, you’ll probably pay less for your combined policies than you pay individually with separate policies.
Additionally, when your insurer finds out that you are married, there is a fair chance your car insurance rates will decrease. Married people tend to file fewer claims and so generally can secure lower premiums.
Finally, bundling two policies under one account is more convenient. You can manage your car insurance coverage in the same place and pay your bill together, rather than juggling multiple companies and providers, each of which may have a different claims process and billing cycle.
How To Add Your Husband Or Wife To Your Car Insurance
If you are ready to add your spouse to your car insurance, simply contact your insurance provider (or your spouse’s insurance provider). A customer representative will walk you through the process.
When you add your spouse to your policy, you can either add them as a policy co-owner or as a listed driver. Co-owners have control over the policy and can file claims, change insurance coverage, and pay bills. A listed driver is covered by a policy, but can’t do any of those things.
In most cases, there’s no reason not to have your spouse listed as a co-owner.
When Not To Add A Spouse
Why wouldn’t you add your spouse to your coverage? One reason may be if they have a very bad driving record. If they are seen as particularly risky to insure, it may be better for them to have their own high-risk policy.
You can specifically exclude a spouse from coverage. However, not all auto insurance companies will allow you to do this. Contact your insurance carrier and ask if you are interested in this option. Keep in mind that if you decide to list your spouse as an excluded driver, they can never drive your vehicle.
Our Recommendations For Car Insurance
Marriage may ultimately result in lower car insurance premiums, especially if both people have clean driving records. Bundling policies is often cheaper than buying two policies separately, too. If you’re recently married, it’s a great time to reassess your car insurance options. During your search, consider two providers that performed well in our industry-wide review: USAA and Progressive.
Enter your zip code below to compare free car insurance quotes from providers in your area.
Compare Car Insurance Rates
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area
Powered by
USAA: Best For Military Members
USAA was founded in 1922 and has since grown into one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S. Originally founded by military officers, USAA continues to offer insurance and banking products exclusively to military service members and their families. If either you or your spouse is eligible for a USAA policy, we recommend getting a quote from the insurer.
Read more: USAA insurance review
Progressive: Best For Usage-Based Insurance
One reason we like Progressive is that its highly-rated Snapshot® usage-based program gives discounts for safe driving. Some other discounts offered by Progressive include a good student discount, and savings for multiple policies and vehicles. Homeowners who bundle their car insurance and drivers who’ve installed anti-theft devices can also save money with Progressive. Additionally, Progressive is a particularly good option for high-risk drivers, because it offers small and large accident forgiveness.
Read more: Progressive insurance review
Adding Spouse To Car Insurance: Our Take
The only real reason not to add your spouse to your car insurance policy is if they have a bad driving record. Otherwise, it’s best to take advantage of the convenience and potential savings that come with having your husband or wife added to your auto coverage instead of having separate policies.
Adding Spouse To Car Insurance: FAQ
Below are a few frequently asked questions about adding your spouse to your car insurance policy:
Should I add my spouse to my car insurance?
In most cases, you should add your husband or wife to your car insurance policy. Most insurance companies require that you add your spouse as a driver, and failing to notify your insurer that you are living with a spouse may result in a denied claim. If they have a poor driving record, it may be best for them to have their own policy, if your provider allows it.
How much does it cost to add a spouse to car insurance?
Adding your husband or your wife to your policy will likely increase your auto insurance rates, but it should be cheaper than having two separate policies unless your spouse has a poor driving history. Married couples generally pay lower rates per person because research shows that they aren’t as likely to file claims.
How do I add my spouse to my insurance?
If you want to add your husband or wife to your insurance, simply notify your insurance agent or provider’s customer service department and ask to have your spouse included on your insurance policy.
Is it cheaper to add someone to your car insurance?
It is usually cheaper to add someone to your car insurance than it is for that person to purchase their own policy. Most auto insurance providers offer multi-car and multi-policy discounts that are advantageous for married couples.
How We Rate Auto Insurers
Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
- Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.
Dash Lewis Content Writer
