Auto Insurance Rates for Married vs. Single Drivers

A married driver typically pays $160 less for auto insurance annually than an unmarried, single motorist. 

Although being married doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be a great driver, historical research indicates that married couples are more likely to share driving duties than single persons. As a result, each driver makes fewer claims, which lowers their risk to the insurance company.

Let’s examine average car insurance costs by marital status and savings advice for everyone.

How does your relationship status impact the cost of auto insurance?

Your auto insurance rates are influenced by your current marital status. 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

A married driver typically saves around $13 a month on auto insurance over a single, widowed, or divorced driver. Find the best auto insurance providers for married couples to see how much you could save. 

Is auto insurance cheaper if you’re married?

The typical married couple pays $134 per month for auto insurance or around $800 for a typical six-month policy. 

But 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.

Further, homeowners who are married are more likely to bundle their policies, cover several vehicles, and ensure both the policyholder and their spouse under one policy. This is how married couples qualify for more discounts and savings on auto insurance than single drivers.

How much does single-driver auto insurance cost?

The average cost of auto insurance for a single driver in the U.S. is $1,760 annually or around $150 per month. Compare this to married couples who pay around $135 per month.

Since this data is based on a national average, your rates may vary according to your age, credit score, driving record, and car.

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Marital Status and Auto Insurance Rates 

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?

Do auto insurance rates go down when you get married?

Not everyone who marries will experience savings on their auto insurance because the rating factors for marital status might differ by insurer and state.

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 if you have a bad driving record.

What factors affect auto insurance rates for married couples?

Although it may seem unfair, many insurance companies argue that it makes sense for married people to pay less for their auto insurance.

Numerous factors influence affect car 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 auto insurance 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.

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 auto insurance costs. 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.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Married vs. Single Drivers

Your state’s minimum liability auto insurance will have the lowest rates, so we concentrated our analysis on those minimums. This type of auto insurance only covers other people’s medical expenses and property damage caused by collisions you cause.

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.

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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.

Should your spouse be added to the policy?

Wondering if your spouse should be on your auto insurance policy? Just because you’re married does not automatically mean that you will qualify for lower rates.

For instance, your rates 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 if they:

• Received a conviction for DUI/DWI
• Possess little or bad credit
• Possess little to no prior driving experience
• Travel a long distance
• 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.

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 coverage as a single driver 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.

The Bottom Line on Auto Insurance for Married vs. Single Drivers

There are numerous details that must be handled both before and immediately following your wedding. Your auto insurance might be the last thing on your mind at that point, but it’s a good idea to give it priority. 

After all, getting married alters many aspects of your life, including the cost of your auto insurance. In general, married drivers pay less than single drivers, but your rates will vary based on your and your spouse’s driving records. 

Regardless of whether you are single or married, comparison shopping is always a smart option. You should take the time to compare as many insurance companies as you can. We recommend comparing three or more local insurers. 

Take advantage of online comparison tools like ours below. You can get free auto insurance quotes for married couples based on your driving history and where you live. Learn how to get multiple auto insurance quotes. It will almost certainly end up saving you a lot of money.

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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

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