Is it better to put single or divorced for car insurance?
Asked by: Margret Johns III | Last update: January 7, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (34 votes)
Is single or divorced better for insurance?
Car insurance companies use historical data showing married drivers are less likely to file a claim. Thus, married drivers are seen as less-risky clients. As a result, married drivers may pay slightly less for car insurance than do divorced or single drivers.
Does being divorced affect your car insurance?
Separation and divorce can affect your insurance if you and your spouse share policies for your home, cars, health, life, or disability. If your cars are kept at separate residences, you need separate auto policies. If you don't already have your own health insurance, you'll need to find a provider once you divorce.
Why does marital status matter on car insurance?
Marital status can significantly influence car insurance premiums. Generally, insurers view married individuals as more stable and less likely to engage in risky driving behavior, resulting in fewer accidents and claims. Consequently, they often offer lower premiums to married couples.
What marital status is the 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.
Insurance Rates Married vs. Single : Insurance Questions & Answers
Is it cheaper to remove spouse from car insurance?
Costs Will Likely Increase
Prepare for higher premiums when you no longer share a policy with your ex-spouse. Some insurers charge lower rates to married customers, and many offer discounts for insuring more than one vehicle.
Which group pays most for car insurance married or single?
Does being married get me better car insurance rates? Yes, married couples typically pay lower premiums than single people. In general, insurance companies view married people as financially stable and safer drivers. That can mean fewer accidents and claims.
Do you pay more for car insurance if you are single?
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.
Can my wife 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.
What happens if you lie about marital status 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.
What will I lose if I get divorced?
Marital property is generally defined as all income, property, and debts acquired during the marriage. That property is seen as owned equally by both spouses and will be distributed equally after the divorce, with a couple of caveats.
Can I keep my ex-wife on my car insurance?
Some of them you probably expected, while others may not have even been on your radar. Take car insurance, for example. You and your ex-spouse will no longer share the same policy. One of you may keep your present insurance policy, while the other must apply for new coverage.
Should husband and wife be on same car insurance?
Should I add my spouse to my car insurance? Although not required, in most cases, being married can help you save money on your car insurance premiums. However, if either of you have accidents or violations, you may want to keep them separate (at least until some of the violations fall off).
Should I put divorced or single?
If you're legally separated or divorced at the end of the year. You must file as single for that tax year unless you're eligible to file as head of household or you remarry by the end of the year.
How does divorce impact car insurance?
When you divorce, you will need individual car insurance policies. That may mean that one person takes over the current policy and the other gets a new one, or you both get new ones and the original policy is canceled. There may be cancellation fees involved.
Is it cheaper to have 1 or 2 people on car insurance?
Every driver's history will affect the policy; your rates will rise if one driver exhibits reckless behavior. Listing multiple drivers on a single policy will generally be cheaper than maintaining two separate insurance policies.
What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?
Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.
Does my wife have to be listed on my car insurance?
It will depend on the state. In many states, you have the option to exclude your spouse from your car insurance policy, but some states will only allow it for certain reasons like not having a license or already having a policy.
What happens if someone borrows your car and gets in an accident?
Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law
This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.
Can I drive my boyfriend's car if I'm not on his insurance?
If you're specifically listed on the car owner's insurance policy, you'll be covered when driving that car – even if it's not your own. If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent.
Does marital status affect auto insurance?
Your personal relationship status does have an impact on what you pay for car insurance. Because married drivers are seen as more financially stable and safer drivers, they typically pay less for car insurance.
How much should a single person pay for insurance?
The average premium for single coverage in 2024 is $8,951 per year. The average premium for family coverage is $25,572 per year [Figure 1.1]. The average annual premiums for single coverage are similar for covered workers at small firms ($9,131) and at large firms ($8,884) [Figure 1.3].
Will my car insurance go up if I add my wife?
Typically, insurance companies encourage joint policies for married couples as it presents a lower risk due to the perception that married couples tend to drive more carefully. In most cases, sharing a car insurance policy with your spouse leads to a multi-car discount.
Is insurance cheaper married or single?
Most companies offer cheaper rates for married couples, as long as both spouses qualify within certain parameters. When looking at rates for car insurance for married vs. single, it's important to know that your costs can change.
What affects car insurance rates?
- Driving and claims history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
- Credit score. ...
- Location. ...
- Other personal demographics. ...
- Coverage levels and deductibles. ...
- Vehicle type. ...
- Annual mileage. ...
- Ownership status.