Getting married changes a lot of things, and in many cases, your car insurance rate is one of them. Insurers often see married drivers as more responsible and less likely to file claims, which can sometimes lead to lower premiums – or at least a discount. While marriage can work in your favor, it’s not a golden ticket to savings.
States such as Montana, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Michigan do not allow insurers to use marital status to determine car insurance rates.
How being married affects your car insurance rates
Getting married can often lead to lower car insurance rates because insurance companies see married drivers as lower risk. Statistically, married people are less likely to get into accidents or file claims, which means they may qualify for discounts.
On average, married drivers can save up to 4% to 13%, depending on the insurer and driving history.
Is it cheaper to share a policy with your spouse?
In most cases, sharing a car insurance policy with your spouse can save you money.
Insurance companies often see married couples as lower-risk drivers, especially when they share a household and drive each other’s cars. Instead of paying for two separate policies, combining them means you’re essentially bundling coverage, which usually leads to a reduced overall premium.
You might also qualify for discounts, like a multi-car discount, if you both have separate vehicles under the same policy.
Being married doesn’t always mean cheaper insurance rates: Exceptions to understand
It’s true that married drivers usually pay less for car insurance, but that’s not a guarantee. While insurers often view marriage as a sign of stability and lower risk, there are exceptions where being married doesn’t lead to savings.
- One of you has a bad driving record: If your partner has a history of accidents, DUIs or traffic violations, it can raise the premium on a shared policy. Insurance companies factor in both drivers’ records when calculating premiums.
- You live in a high-risk area: Your ZIP code plays a significant role in your premium. If you move in together after marriage and your new location has higher theft rates, accidents or claims, your insurance might increase.
- Age and vehicle type: If one of you is significantly younger or drives a high-performance or luxury vehicle, the combined risk may outweigh any marriage-related discount. Insurers calculate risk based on more than just relationship status.
Final thoughts on how marriage impacts your car insurance
While being married doesn’t automatically guarantee cheap premiums, it often helps. Insurers tend to view married drivers as more stable and less risky, which can translate to lower premiums, especially if both spouses have clean driving records.
However, if your spouse has a poor driving history, a high-risk vehicle or you move to an area with higher accident rates, your premium could go up. That’s why it’s important to compare quotes and consider bundling your policies to see if you can save more together.
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