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

Asked by: Prof. Christ Jakubowski  |  Last update: June 20, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (31 votes)

Auto insurance is cheaper when you are married than when you are single. Based on our analysis, for drivers in U.S., we found that full coverage car insurance costs $123 less annually for married couples than for single drivers — a 5% savings. Rates are the average annual premium for a full coverage policy.

Is it better to be married or single for auto insurance?

On average, a married driver pays $160 less per year for car insurance than does a single, unmarried driver. While being married doesn't necessarily make you a better driver, historical data show married couples are more likely to share driving responsibilities than single people.

Do married people get better car insurance rates?

Because married drivers are seen as more financially stable and safer drivers, they typically pay less for car insurance. On average, a married driver pays $96 less per year for car insurance than does a single, widowed or divorced driver.

Do single people pay more insurance than married people?

According to a 2015 study done in 10 major cities of major insurance companies conducted by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), premiums for single, divorced, and separated drivers were almost always higher than premiums for married people with similar driving records.

Why is car insurance cheaper if you are married?

You're viewed as more likely to drive less than your single peers. Auto insurance providers assume that married couples share driving responsibilities, so each partner will spend less time behind the wheel. You're more likely to qualify for multi-policy discounts.

The Real Deal: Single People Pay More for Car Insurance

45 related questions found

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

Many insurers, including Progressive, require you to add a spouse to your car insurance policy if you're both living in the same household (unless your state gives you the option to exclude your spouse). Adding your spouse to your policy ensures that you're both covered in the event of an accident.

Does marriage affect insurance?

Health insurance. Your nuptials are also a good time to revisit your health insurance plans. Marriage is one of the qualifying life events that allow you to change your insurance plan or add your spouse. Most plans require you to make these changes within 60 days of your walk down the aisle.

Does being single affect car insurance?

While it may seem to be based on antiquated notions of relationship statuses, data shows that single people pay more for car insurance as they are statistically more likely to have an accident and make a claim than married couples.

Is single or divorced cheaper car insurance?

As a matter of fact, at most major companies, rates for single, separated, and divorced drivers – regardless of sex – are almost always higher than those for married drivers.

Which group pays the more for car insurance?

“Statistically, young men are riskier drivers, which means they are, on average, more expensive to insure.” How much more expensive? A 20-year-old single man pays 49 percent more for car insurance than a 25-year-old single man.

How does car insurance work for married couples?

Getting married, therefore, generally has a positive effect on your car insurance rates. Most auto insurance carriers offer a discount to married drivers. Even men under 25, who generally get stuck with the highest auto insurance premiums, receive a discount for being married.

Is it cheaper to have joint car insurance?

A couple's car insurance policy, in the form of one policy with two insured cars, is often a cheaper way to get coverage than separate policies because of multivehicle discounts and a potential marriage discount. Combining policies for each driver's car into one policy brings savings of up to 25% in most cases.

Do I have to put my wife on my car insurance?

No. You do not have to add your spouse to your car insurance. Most car insurance companies will want all licensed members of your household listed as drivers, to make sure your policy's rate is calculated properly.

Why is insurance more expensive for single people?

Because single people may choose smaller and faster vehicles, they can end up with higher premiums simply because the car is classified as high-risk.

Does relationship status affect car insurance?

According to the insurance companies, our marital status does have an impact on our car insurance, and can cause our insurance premiums to go up! Some drivers when they updated their insurers about getting divorced, their car insurance premiums went up hundreds of pounds a year.

Do I need to tell car insurance I got married?

Most insurance companies require all licensed household members to be listed on the policy as drivers. If you haven't informed the insurance company that you're married, you need to do that now and add her to the policy.

Does divorce increase car insurance?

Check with your insurer to see how marital status can affect rates in your state. All that said, the premium difference between married and divorced drivers is not huge. On average, a divorced driver may pay about $50 more every six months for auto insurance coverage than a married driver.

Is it cheaper to be married or single?

It shows that the average single person spends $45,701 per year, while the average two-income couple spends $78,249. By combining their expenses, the couple saves $13,153 each year. However, these benefits aren't just for married couples.

Is being married better financially?

Married couples tend to get discounts on long-term care insurance, auto insurance, and homeowners insurance. Married couples often qualify for better credit and better terms on loans.

What benefits do married couples get?

What Are the Financial Perks of Getting Married?
  • Simplify Your Life With Joint Bank Accounts.
  • Enjoy Increased Borrowing Power.
  • File Together for Income Tax Benefits.
  • Gain Social Security Benefits.
  • Consider Combining Health Insurance.
  • Investing for Retirement.
  • Plan Your Estate as a Married Couple.

Can you lie about marital status on car insurance?

Answer provided by

“Car insurance companies pull several reports when determining a rate for an insured. Your marital status is often a part of this. If you report on your application that you and your boyfriend are married but the underwriting department verifies you aren't, you could risk losing your policy.

Is your spouse automatically covered on your car insurance?

Even if a spouse of the named insured is not named on a policy, auto liability insurance almost always covers the spouse as well, while driving any car.

Why is car insurance cheaper with additional driver?

How much does car insurance cost with a named driver? Adding a named driver often makes the premiums cheaper because it's assumed you'll spend less time driving, since the car is shared. This reduces your probability of having an accident and making a claim, which is reflected in cheaper car insurance quotes.

Do I need to add my fiance to my car insurance?

According to Motor1, you should add your significant other to your insurance policy if they drive your vehicle more than 10-15 times per year, even if you don't live together. This is because the permissive use clause is only available for short-term coverage.

Do I have to change my name on my car insurance when I get married?

If you get married while your car insurance policy is up and running, you'll need to let your insurer know - even if you don't change your name. You'll normally have to prove that you're married by sending over a copy of your marriage certificate.