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

Asked by: Erica Turcotte  |  Last update: August 9, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (55 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.

What relationship status is best for car insurance?

Married people are traditionally considered less of a risk to car insurers than singles because they make fewer claims. There are a number of explanations, including the fact that couples tend to temper each other's bad driving habits and the increased likelihood of kids being in the car encourages safer driving.

Which group pays more for car insurance single or married?

Singles may have more fun, but they also pay more than their married friends for car insurance. A single 20-year-old pays 21% more than a married 20-year-old for the same policy, a new study from InsuranceQuotes.com found.

Does being married help car insurance?

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.

Insurance Rates Married vs. Single : Insurance Questions & Answers

30 related questions found

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 married status affect car insurance?

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.

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.

Why do car insurance ask if you are married?

Adding your spouse to your policy ensures that you're both covered in the event of an accident. If you and your spouse have good driving records, a joint car insurance policy can save you money with lower premiums and a multi-car discount (if your insurer offers one).

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.

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.

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.

Is it cheaper to be single or married?

A peek at their actual household expenditures shows, not surprisingly, that a married couple pays substantially less proportionally toward basic living costs than a single person.

Do husband and wife both need to be on car insurance?

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. But there is no legal requirement that says a driver must add their spouse to an auto insurance policy.

Should you add boyfriend to 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.

What changes after you get married?

One of the most important legal changes that occurs when you get married is the acquisition of “marital property”. Whether it is a house, boat, car, television, or just a coffee mug, any asset that is acquired by either spouse during the marriage may treated as a marital property in a divorce.

What changes when you get married financially?

Marriage affects your finances in many ways, including your ability to build wealth, plan for retirement, plan your estate, and capitalize on tax and insurance-related benefits. State and federal laws on these subjects provide default positions.

Is Getting married worth it financially?

One of the most significant advantages of marriage is eligibility for Social Security spousal and survival benefits. First, as a married couple, you're each eligible to collect your own Social Security benefit or up to 50 percent of your spouse's benefit, whichever is greater.

Is single better than married?

Research suggests that unmarried people tend to be healthier than their married counterparts. People who were single and had never married exercised more frequently every week than married folks in a survey of over 13,000 people.

Who benefits more marriage?

The fact that men are legendarily wary of marriage is stranger than it first appears. Both men and women benefit from marriage, but men seem to benefit more overall. In addition to being happier and healthier than bachelors, married men earn more money and live longer.

What are the benefits of being single?

The Benefits Of Being Single, According To A Lot Of Research
  • #1 More Exercise. It's obvious when you think about it. ...
  • #2 Better Health Overall. ...
  • #3 Less Housework. ...
  • #4 Stronger Social Connections. ...
  • #5 Less Debt. ...
  • #6 Less Stress. ...
  • #7 Fewer Conflicts. ...
  • #8 Better Sleep.

What is a good salary to get married?

The rule of thumb is to have roughly the equivalent of your annual salary in savings by then, experts say. If you earn $50,000 a year, for example, you should aim to have $50,000 put away.

What are the financial disadvantages of getting married?

Marriage's Financial Pros and Cons
  • Marriage can result in higher taxes. ...
  • Marriage can also result in lower taxes. ...
  • Sharing a single health insurance plan typically generates savings. ...
  • Spouses don't pay estate tax. ...
  • Gifts between spouses are not subject to gift tax.