Car Insurance for Married Couples: What to Know

Married drivers can usually lock in cheaper car insurance rates than single drivers.

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Whether you’re currently married or have an upcoming wedding day, you should know that married couples often pay slightly cheaper car insurance rates than single drivers, as long as they enroll in a policy together. Married drivers pay an overall average of $200 per month for auto insurance, compared to the $208 per month single drivers pay.

Here’s how married couples can save money on car insurance and compare quotes to find a policy that works for both drivers.

Cheapest car insurance for married drivers

Many regional and national companies offer car insurance for married couples. To find the best deal and the right car insurance coverage for you and your spouse, it’s a good idea to shop around.

Here’s a look at the cheapest car insurance companies for married drivers.

Do married people pay less for car insurance?

In general, married drivers may pay cheaper car insurance premiums than single drivers. Married drivers may see more insurance savings because they get access to each other’s discounts, can bundle their policies for additional discounts, and share coverage costs.1

The average cost of car insurance is $200 per month for married couples and $208 for single drivers. That difference is slight, but you may be able to get cheaper rates when you’re married if your spouse has a clean driving record or a lower-value car.

Here’s how much single drivers and married drivers pay for car insurance from some of the best car insurance companies.

Car insurance discounts for married couples

Most car insurance companies offer car insurance discounts that can help married couples save on their premiums. While they may not be called “married discounts” or specifically created for married couples, they’re often more accessible to them.

Here are several examples of discounts married drivers may qualify for:

  • Multi-car discount: A multi-car discount may apply if you and your spouse cover the vehicles you own with a single policy. Depending on the insurer, this discount can be significant. You can score a multi-car discount with Nationwide and Farmers.

  • Multi-policy discount: Also known as a bundling discount, a multi-policy discount is worth pursuing if you and your spouse pair your auto policy with another type of insurance, like homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance, for example. Allstate and Progressive offer multi-policy discounts.

  • Military discount: If you or your spouse are an active-duty military member or veteran, you might be eligible for a military discount. With GEICO, for example, you may save 15% on your policy. Keep in mind that one of you will likely have to provide the insurer with evidence of military service.

  • Electric vehicle discount: You may lower your car insurance rates if you or your spouse own an electric car. Travelers is one example of an insurance company with an electric and hybrid vehicle discount.

Car insurance tips for married couples

If you’re looking for ways to lower your car insurance premiums as a married couple, here are a few tips to consider:3

  • Combine policies. The easiest way to save on auto insurance as a married driver is to combine your policies. This can simplify your insurance policy management and open the doors to more savings opportunities.

  • Explore discounts. Look at the various discounts insurance companies offer. You and your partner might qualify for a multi-vehicle or multi-policy discount that wasn’t an option when you were single.

  • Compare rates. Do your research and compare insurance products and premiums from at least three insurance companies. You can use an online insurance-comparison tool or work with an insurance agent.

  • Drive safely. Sit down with your spouse and commit to being safer drivers. You’ll land lower car insurance rates if both of you maintain clean driving records free of serious traffic violations, such as speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs.

When should my spouse and I have different policies?

It’s usually in your best interest to get a joint policy to cover you and your spouse. But in the following situations, it may make sense to separate your policies:

  • Your partner has a poor driving record. When determining premiums, car insurers will look at both spouses’ driving records. If you find that your partner’s bad driving record is causing higher rates, you might want to keep your policies separate.

  • Your spouse has bad credit. Depending on where you live, car insurance companies may look at your credit scores during the underwriting process. If your spouse has bad credit, you may face more expensive rates and be better off with two policies.

  • Your partner drives a luxury vehicle. For example, if you drive a Honda and your partner drives a Mercedes-Benz, insuring their high-value vehicle can increase your rates. In this case, separate car insurance policies may be the cheaper option for you.

Married car insurance FAQs

Check out Insurify’s guide to adding a child to your policy, and see below for answers to frequently asked questions about car insurance for married couples.

  • Are spouses automatically covered by the other spouse’s car insurance?

    No. A car insurance policy won’t cover both spouses unless they choose a single insurance policy and add both of their names and vehicle information.

  • How do you add your spouse to your car insurance?

    To add your partner to your auto insurance policy, reach out to your car insurance agent. Let them know you’re married and would like a joint car insurance policy. Be prepared to share information about your partner and their vehicle.

  • Can you combine car insurance policies if you aren’t married?

    Sometimes, yes. Many insurance companies will allow you to add a significant other to your auto insurance even if you aren’t married, as long as you live together and are in a domestic partnership.

Anna Baluch
Anna BaluchInsurance Writer

Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.

Car Insurance for Married Couples | Insurify