Buy Cheap Auto Insurance for Married Couples in 2024
Married couples can find the cheapest auto insurance and end up saving money for a few different reasons.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Jan 27, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 27, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- You and your spouse can bundle your car insurance and save money
- Car insurance for couples does use the driving history of both individuals
- Savings can fluctuate between companies so it’s best to shop around
Marriage can be a delightful, thrilling next step in anyone’s life. With the excitement of a new marriage comes many new possibilities as well, including ways to make paying bills easier. By letting your insurance provider know that you’re married, you could see a difference in what you pay for your auto policy.
Once you’re married, the way that you apply for car insurance can change. Car insurance can become cheaper when shared between two people instead of you both having two separate policies. Most insurance companies have affordable options for unmarried couples as well, though the pricing can vary based on the company chosen.
We’ll cover a few different companies that offer the cheapest auto insurance for married couples, as well as the auto insurance discounts available and pertinent information married drivers should know.
Is auto insurance cheaper when you’re married?
Before looking into which companies offer the most affordable coverage, it’s important to know what will affect your rates. There are a few different factors that will determine how much you pay for car insurance in addition to your marital status.
Age, location, and the make and model of the car you’re looking to insure all play a part in pricing.
The type of insurance you want can also change how much you’ll pay. Full coverage auto insurance will always be more expensive than a policy that only includes liability auto insurance. Full coverage typically comes with both collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage and often has higher limits of personal injury protection and liability coverage as well.
A minimum coverage policy will cost less, but you’ll be on the hook for more in terms of out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident.
As mentioned above, it will also depend on the companies that you research. Below is a table with the average rates for both full coverage and minimum coverage, utilizing some of the top insurance companies in the market.
Statistically, car insurance costs for married couples compared to single drivers will be less across the board. This is not only because you end up bundling your vehicles together but because companies view married couples as more stable and reliable.
By having a joint car insurance policy, you’re able to pay less, though there are some other factors to consider. Each individual should have a stable driving record, a fair credit score, and a reliable vehicle.
The following is a list of pros and cons of having a joint insurance policy with your spouse.
Pros:
- Having joint insurance can save you and your spouse money
- All your vehicles are conveniently listed under one policy
- Policies become cheaper overall when you shop for coverage as a married couple
Cons:
- You may have to switch insurance carriers
- You will have to present proof of marriage to obtain discounts
- Some people may not want their vehicles insured together because of poor credit or bad driving histories
Auto insurance for drivers with bad credit or an imperfect driving record will be higher even if it’s only one spouse. This is one reason why some married couples choose to file auto insurance separately. (For more information, read our “Cheap Auto Insurance Companies That Allow Spouse Exclusions“).
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Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for married couples?
We’ve compared a few companies that offer insurance for married couples. USAA, State Farm, and Travelers all offer the lowest monthly pricing. Other companies such as Geico, Allstate, and Progressive also make the list of companies that offer the cheapest auto insurance for married couples.
However, when researching auto insurance companies, it’s also best to look at which company provides the best overall deal.
On average Progressive and State Farm are the companies worth looking into, with Progressive offering the most in terms of reduced rates for married couples, while State Farm provides overall better pricing for married drivers.
With Progressive auto insurance, married drivers on average pay around $1,835 annually, while single-insured drivers pay around $2,174. A married couple using Progressive as an insurance company would save 16% on their policy.
USAA auto insurance does offer full coverage at $1,156 annually for married couples, which is $679 less than Progressive. However, it should be noted that USAA is only available for active and former members of the military and their families.
State Farm auto insurance offers an annual premium at around $1,643 for married couples to have full coverage, which is $192 less annually than Progressive. Rates with State Farm seem to be balanced across the board, as single drivers only pay $1,629 per year, which means they’re only roughly paying 1% less than what married couples pay.
So while companies such as USAA and State Farm seem to have the cheapest rates, it’s always a good idea to research what goes into the numbers in order to find the best long-term deal.
How does marital status affect car insurance in each state?
While the auto insurance company is an important decision, knowing what type of policy you’ll need is equally as important. Each state is different regarding what type of auto insurance policy is required.
Some states allow just the minimum coverage, while others may demand higher levels of liability or uninsured motorist coverage to be included in a driver’s policy as well.
This also means that auto insurance rates will vary depending on the state that you live in and the minimum auto insurance required by your state. This is why location has been mentioned as a factor used in determining how much you pay for car insurance.
You’ll want to know what the minimum coverage requirements are within your state so that while you’re comparing policies, you know you’re looking for one that will keep you properly insured.
Are there discounts on car insurance for married couples?
Often, car insurance companies will see your marital status as a discount already, so married drivers will not see any additional marriage discount other than their rate reduction.
There are many other car insurance discounts available that married couples can take advantage of, and often car insurance companies will encourage this. For example, many companies offer multi-car discounts.
Geico auto insurance offers a 25% discount when you list multiple vehicles under one policy. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s classified as Geico’s marriage discount, but married drivers can certainly take advantage of having multiple cars.
If you’re currently sharing a car with your spouse, you still have other options.
The discounts could be listed under different titles, but most car insurance companies will offer a number of the following discounts:
- Good student discount. If you’re in school and you maintain excellent grades, most companies will accept proof in exchange for reduced rates.
- Homeowners discount or discount for bundling insurance policies. Many insurance companies will provide a break in your policy pricing if you have more than one policy grouped together.
- Safe driver discount. There are a number of ways that safe drivers can save money, and it usually revolves around a clean driving record or taking defensive driving courses.
- Anti-theft or vehicle safety discount. The more secure your car is, the less likely an insurance company will have to pay out for a claim, which is why anti-theft devices are rewarded.
Other discounts include going paperless, paying annually instead of monthly, driving a newer vehicle, or being a military member or federal employee, (read our “Federal Employee Auto Insurance Discount: How Much You Can Save” for more information). You can even receive a low-mileage auto insurance discount.
It’s important to make your insurance company aware of any changes you wish to make. Especially when it comes to updating your marital status, you’ll want to contact customer service or update your personal information online.
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Will your spouse have to be listed on your auto insurance?
With most auto insurance companies, you will need to have your spouse listed on your auto insurance, especially if they’re going to be driving your vehicle. One of the reasons most auto insurance companies require all licensed persons under a household to be listed on a policy is because there’s a high chance that they will all drive the same vehicle that is insured.
According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, an auto insurance policy must list all licensed drivers living in your household who are related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, including drivers already covered by their own insurance policies.
Why would you want to keep your insurance coverage separate from your spouse’s?
There are some situations where a spouse may not be included in a policy. For example, if your spouse has poor credit or a bad driving record, you may not want them to be included in your coverage. Those factors can have a negative impact on how much you pay for your car insurance. High-risk auto insurance costs more on average for coverage than insurance for drivers who have never had an infraction.
Your rates can also vary depending on the vehicles you want to have insured. If your spouse drives a rare vehicle with expensive upkeep, you may not want them listed on your policy.
More expensive vehicles will require higher amounts of coverage because they will cost the insurance company more money in the event of an accident. You and your spouse should consider separate policies in these cases in order to find the best price and coverage overall.
You may also decide that you don’t want your spouse on your policy for personal reasons. In this situation, you can ask for a named-driver exclusion, where you are telling your insurance company that there is a specific person you do not want to be insured.
Are you able to combine car insurance if you’re not married?
If you’re living together, but you’re not yet married, you and your partner can still combine your car insurance. You may not receive as much of a reduction in price, but you’ll be able to take advantage of discounts designed for insuring two cars on a policy.
You will also want to tell the truth about who is driving your car. If you don’t list your partner, married or otherwise, and they get into an accident while using your vehicle, you’ll be at risk with your insurance company. Denying you coverage or refusing to pay out toward a claim in this type of situation are real possibilities.
Deciding against getting a joint policy also requires you to keep your insurance provider up to date with who is driving your car. Even if you’re not married, most companies prefer you list your partner on your policy.
How do you combine your car insurance with your spouse’s?
It’s important to know what you’ll need before combining your coverage in order to save yourself a little time. If you and your spouse both have current auto insurance policies, you’ll want to review them both to see what coverage you each have. That way, once you’re ready to settle on an insurance provider, you’ll know what type of policy to choose.
You’ll also want to have your marriage certificate at hand. Not all insurance providers will demand proof, but it’s better to be on the safe side when paperwork is involved.
Lastly, have a list of insurance companies you want to research. Include your current providers as well, because chances are you’ll be able to work out a deal and save more by staying with one of the two.
Cheap Car Insurance for Married Couples: The Bottom Line
Married couples will find that it’s easy to save money when shopping for car insurance, especially since the majority of insurance companies currently on the market offer some form of savings when marriage is involved.
Companies like USAA, State Farm, and Travelers will all have lower monthly premiums, but you’ll also want to look into companies like Geico and Progressive. The long-term savings can add up, especially if you’re looking for the most reward for your updated marital status.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is auto insurance important for married couples?
Auto insurance is important for married couples as it provides financial protection in case of accidents, damage, theft, or other unforeseen events involving their vehicles. It ensures that both spouses are covered and can receive compensation for any losses or liabilities incurred.
Are there any specific benefits or discounts available to married couples when buying auto insurance?
Yes, some insurance companies offer benefits and discounts specifically tailored for married couples. These may include multi-car discounts, lower rates for insuring multiple vehicles under the same policy, and even reduced rates for combining auto insurance policies with other types of insurance, such as home insurance.
How can married couples find cheap auto insurance?
Here are a few tips to help married couples find affordable auto insurance:
- Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rates.
- Consider bundling auto insurance with other policies, such as home or renter’s insurance, to potentially qualify for a multi-policy discount.
- Maintain a good driving record, as a clean driving history can often lead to lower premiums.
- Inquire about discounts specifically for married couples or for being a member of certain organizations or professions.
- Opt for higher deductibles, which can lower your premium but require you to pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim.
- Explore usage-based insurance programs that track driving habits and offer discounts based on safe driving behavior.
Should married couples combine their auto insurance policies?
Combining auto insurance policies as a married couple can often lead to cost savings. By insuring multiple vehicles under the same policy, you may be eligible for a multi-car discount, which can result in lower premiums overall. However, it’s important to compare the cost and coverage of combining policies versus keeping separate policies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Does it matter if the married couple has different driving records or vehicle types?
Yes, the driving records and vehicle types of both spouses can impact the cost of auto insurance. If one spouse has a poor driving record or drives a high-risk vehicle, it may affect the overall premium. However, if one spouse has a good driving record or drives a low-risk vehicle, it can potentially help offset the costs. It’s essential to disclose all relevant information to the insurance provider when obtaining quotes to ensure accurate pricing.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.