Joint Car Insurance for Married & Unmarried Couples (2024)

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

Joint Car Insurance for Married & Unmarried Couples (2024)

FAQs

Joint Car Insurance for Married & Unmarried Couples? ›

Couples can purchase joint car insurance even if they are unmarried. However, most car insurance companies require that they must be living together to do so. Combining insurance policies may not be an option if you don't. Permissive use is typically enough for couples living in separate houses.

Why does marital status matter on car insurance? ›

Married people are often seen by insurance companies as more stable and therefore, less of a risk. This means combining your car insurance can save you money. Plus, having multiple vehicles on a policy, and/or adding renters or homeowners insurance can mean even more discounts.

Do husband and wife have to be on the same car insurance? ›

Yes, married couples even have the option to maintain separate car insurance policies. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. Higher Premiums: Separate policies can sometimes lead to higher premiums, as you might miss out on the multi-car discount.

Do married people pay more than single people for car insurance? ›

Yes, married couples typically pay lower premiums than single people. In general, insurance companies view married people as financially stable and safer drivers.

Do you have to be married for joint insurance? ›

While the joint policyholders don't have to be married, the majority of people who get this type of coverage are either spouses or domestic partners. If you're looking to buy joint coverage, you'll find other differences as well.

What marital status is cheapest for car insurance? ›

In general, yes, married people tend to get cheaper car insurance rates. That's because figures suggest that couples and families make fewer expensive claims than people who aren't married. This means insurance providers may offer you cheaper car insurance when you get married.

What happens if you lie about being married on car insurance? ›

If they find out about your lie they might deny a claim or cancel your policy altogether. Rather than lying about being married (or anything else) you should compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best possible rate.

Can my girlfriend drive my car if she's not on my insurance? ›

A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.

Is it better to have joint car insurance? ›

Sharing a policy is generally cheaper because you'll split the cost of certain coverages. You benefit from your spouse's clean driving record: If you've had violations or accidents, your spouse's clean driving history may result in a more competitive rate.

Does adding a spouse increase car insurance? ›

On average, married couples pay less for car insurance than single people. However, in some situations, maintaining separate car insurance policies may cost less than adding your spouse to your auto insurance.

What is the cheapest car insurance for a married couple? ›

Cheap insurance companies for married drivers

Based on The Zebra's survey of insurance rates from thousands of ZIP codes across the U.S., USAA and State Farm provide the cheapest insurance rates for married drivers.

Does your car insurance go down when you're married? ›

Most auto insurance companies offer lower rates to married couples because they are often considered more stable and less of a risk than unmarried policyholders. Beyond an overall lower rate, auto insurance companies also commonly offer special discounts for those with multi-car or home-and-auto-bundled policies.

Which group pays most for car insurance, married or single? ›

Married drivers typically pay a bit less than single drivers. Part of this comes down to rating, and the other part comes down to discounts. Insurance companies view married drivers as safer, less likely to take risks and more financially stable since they pool their assets.

Do I need to add my partner to my car insurance? ›

Your Partner Lives With You

If your girlfriend or boyfriend lives with you and plans to drive your car regularly, they should be added to your policy. Insurance companies often require this if a member of your household will be driving your vehicle.

Do married couples have to be on the same car insurance policy? ›

Married couples do not have to combine insurance policies. However, it usually makes sense to do so. Combining policies can qualify couples for discounts and lower rates. If you and your spouse have a good driving record, the savings you may qualify for can be significant.

Can unmarried people be on the same insurance? ›

With most insurers, unmarried couples can share a joint car insurance policy or add each other as listed drivers to separate policies. There can be pros and cons to sharing a policy, so check with your insurer to see if shared or separate coverage is best for you.

Does marital status affect insurance premiums? ›

On average, married drivers pay $427 less than single drivers, with rates for a married driver averaging $758 per year. Car insurance companies tend to view married drivers as less likely to have accidents or file claims. This often means lower insurance rates for married drivers.

Why does my spouse have to be on my car insurance? ›

Your spouse must be listed on your insurance policy regardless of driving status. Since insurance is all about properly rating risk, companies will require that your spouse be listed on your policy to know who they are and are not covering.

Is it better to put single or divorced for car insurance? ›

In general, the main reason Oakland varied less is because California law mandates insurers give precedence to aspects such as driving record, miles driven and years of experience, stating factors such as marital status cannot impact premiums as greatly.

What marital status is best for insurance? ›

The fact that married couples are viewed as less risky to insure is not the only reason they tend to benefit from lower premiums compared to their single counterparts. Married couples often benefit from other car insurance discounts that don't apply as often for single people.

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