Why do insurance companies consider married people less risky than single people?

Asked by: Darlene Wiegand  |  Last update: October 12, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)

The companies operate under the assumption that married couples drive safer and get into fewer accidents. They're also viewed as taking fewer risks behind the wheel than unmarried people. Other factors that insurance companies believe include the following: More likely to bundle insurance policies.

Is it better to be married or single for 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.

Why do married people get better 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.

Is insurance cheaper if your married?

Getting married can make a significant difference in your car insurance rates. Married couples generally pay less for car insurance premiums than single individuals.

Do married people have fewer accidents than single people?

Whatever the reason, statistics show that married drivers have fewer motor vehicle accidents and injuries than single people.

I Am Single, Should I Consider Life Insurance?

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Why is car insurance cheaper if you are married?

Being married affects your auto insurance rates because insurers view married couples as more financially stable and less risky to cover than single drivers, and they lower rates accordingly. Insurers treat divorced drivers similarly to single drivers, offering both groups comparable rates.

Is single or divorced better for car insurance?

Is It Better to Put Single or Divorced on a Car Insurance Application? If you're wondering whether there's any benefit to putting yourself down as single or divorced when applying for insurance, there typically isn't. Both are statuses are considered the same when your agent generates a quote.

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 marital status affect health insurance?

Marriage affects health insurance coverage. As marriage rates in the United States decline (1), fewer women will have the opportunity to obtain health insurance coverage through their spouse. Marriage can also increase family income and may make health insurance more affordable.

Do insurance companies check if you're married?

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.

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.

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 married?

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.

Why is marital status important in health?

Introduction. Marital status is an important social factor associated with human health and longevity. In many studies, married adults show better health outcomes than their non-married counterparts,13 and mental health is worse in unmarried versus married adults.

What changes once 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.

Why is being single so hard?

Adults who are single may feel sadness, grief, regret, and ambivalence about unviable potential mates. In addition, unviable potential partners may become idealized with time and take the place of the anticipated spouse, setting a standard that new and viable potential partners can't meet.

Is it cheaper to get car insurance as a couple?

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.

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).

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.

Can I remove wife from auto insurance after divorce?

Yes. You can remove your spouse from your car insurance policy, whether you live in separate homes, are getting a divorce, or just want to maintain your own auto insurance policies.

Does being divorced increase car insurance?

“While car insurance companies use marital status when determining rates for customers, simply being divorced won't increase your rate.

Can you lie about being married on car insurance?

Some may lie about being married – married drivers typically pay lower rates for car insurance. The number of traffic accidents received, criminal records, the vehicle's storage location, and vehicle safety features are other common lies told on insurance applications. These are all types of material misrepresentation.

What are the financial disadvantages of being 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.

Does it make sense financially to get married?

Marriage can mean important Social Security benefits

On top of short-term financial benefits of marrying, like the implicit joining of resources, there are long-term benefits, as well. First, after just nine months, you're eligible to collect future widow(er) Social Security benefits.