How Marital Status Affects Car Insurance Rates


The average annual car insurance premium for an individual in a married couple is $758, while single drivers typically pay $1,185. While these rates show that married drivers may pay less for car insurance, premiums can vary based on factors like driving history, credit score and state regulations. Combining policies with a spouse can offer discounts and simplify finances, but it's not always the best option — especially if one spouse is a high-risk driver or members of the couple live in different states.

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Key Takeaways

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A married driver’s average annual auto insurance premium is $758, while a single driver’s average rate is $1,185.

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GEICO is the cheapest provider for married drivers, with an average $703 annual premium. State Farm is the most affordable option for single drivers, costing an average of $884 annually.

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While married drivers often enjoy lower car insurance rates, factors like driving history, credit score and even your spouse's driving record can influence your premiums, along with other variables like age, location and vehicle make and model.

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766,080Quotes Analyzed
 
16Companies Compared
 
900ZIP Codes

Who Pays More for Car Insurance: Married or Single Drivers

On average, married drivers pay $427 less than single drivers, with rates for a married driver averaging $758 per year. Car insurance companies tend to view married drivers as less likely to have accidents or file claims. This often means lower insurance rates for married drivers.

$758$1,185$427

Keep in mind that while being married might lower your car insurance rates, other factors like your driving history and credit score still play a significant role. For example, if your partner has a history of accidents or tickets, you could see higher rates.

Other factors that influence car insurance rates

Cheapest Car Insurance for Married Drivers

Married drivers can find the cheapest car insurance policies from:

  • GEICO: $703 per year
  • Nationwide: $709 per year

Besides lower rates for married drivers, you can save even more with multi-car discounts. You can also bundle your car insurance with your home or renters insurance for extra savings. Combining policies with one insurer not only cuts costs but also makes managing your insurance simpler.

GEICO$703
Nationwide$709
State Farm$713
Farmers$730
Progressive$777
Travelers$828
Allstate$843

Cheapest Car Insurance for Married Drivers by State

State Farm and GEICO emerge as the top choices across multiple states for married drivers. State Farm stands out as the cheapest car insurance provider in 14 states, closely trailed by GEICO, which takes the lead in 13 states. These companies consistently offer competitive rates, making them smart options for married individuals looking to financially protect their vehicles without breaking the bank.

Comparing quotes and considering what each insurer brings to the table is essential to make the best choice for you.

AlabamaNationwide$561
AlaskaState Farm$550
ArizonaGEICO$473
ArkansasGEICO$489
CaliforniaProgressive$664
ColoradoGEICO$470
ConnecticutGEICO$491
DelawareState Farm$804
District of ColumbiaGEICO$427
FloridaFarmers$807
GeorgiaAllstate$606
HawaiiFarmers$390
IdahoState Farm$323
IllinoisProgressive$492
IndianaFarmers$465
IowaState Farm$396
KansasNationwide$456
KentuckyGEICO$453
LouisianaGEICO$911
MaineState Farm$460
MarylandProgressive$480
MassachusettsState Farm$342
MichiganProgressive$626
MinnesotaNationwide$625
MississippiProgressive$582
MissouriNationwide$591
MontanaProgressive$371
NebraskaFarmers$607
NevadaGEICO$579
New HampshireState Farm$458
New JerseyGEICO$736
New MexicoNationwide$556
New YorkProgressive$722
North CarolinaNationwide$458
North DakotaNationwide$448
OhioGEICO$388
OklahomaState Farm$681
OregonGEICO$564
PennsylvaniaNationwide$559
Rhode IslandState Farm$517
South CarolinaState Farm$750
South DakotaAllstate$566
TennesseeFarmers$456
TexasState Farm$689
UtahFarmers$623
VermontState Farm$382
VirginiaNationwide$499
WashingtonGEICO$335
West VirginiaState Farm$614
WisconsinGEICO$406
WyomingState Farm$520

Cheapest Car Insurance for Single Drivers

Single drivers can get the lowest car insurance rates from:

  • State Farm: $883 per year
  • Nationwide: $930 per year

Whether or not being married changes your car insurance rates depends on your insurance company and the state you're in. Each insurer uses its own formula to figure out how likely you are to get into an accident and file a claim. In states like California, insurance companies need state approval for how they calculate their rates. In these states, providers are required to focus mainly on your driving habits — like your experience, record and how much you drive. Other factors, like being married, don't weigh as much in determining your premiums.

State Farm$883
Nationwide$930
GEICO$936
Travelers$1,037
Progressive$1,120
Allstate$1,124
Farmers$1,192

Cheapest Car Insurance for Single Drivers by State

Nationwide and State Farm stand out as the leading car insurance providers offering the cheapest car insurance rates for single drivers across numerous states. These companies have established a reputation for delivering cost-effective solutions without compromising on coverage quality. Nationwide is renowned for its tailored policies and discounts, while State Farm is celebrated for its exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage options. Both insurers are highly recommended for single drivers seeking reliable insurance at competitive rates, ensuring financial protection on the road.

AlabamaNationwide$709
AlaskaState Farm$699
ArizonaRoot Insurance Company$682
ArkansasState Farm$629
CaliforniaAAA California$1,001
ColoradoAmerican National P&C$541
ConnecticutGEICO$693
DelawareState Farm$881
District of ColumbiaGEICO$662
FloridaState Farm$1,058
GeorgiaCountry Financial$665
HawaiiGEICO$565
IdahoAmerican National P&C$299
IllinoisCountry Financial$663
IndianaAmerican Family$555
IowaState Farm$509
KansasNationwide$670
KentuckyNationwide$790
LouisianaLouisiana Farm Bureau$1,048
MaineConcord Group$521
MarylandProgressive$938
MassachusettsState Farm$483
MichiganGEICO$898
MinnesotaState Farm$797
MississippiDirect General Insurance$723
MissouriNationwide$909
MontanaProgressive$437
NebraskaAmerican National P&C$405
NevadaCSAA$940
New HampshireState Farm$540
New JerseyPlymouth Rock Assurance$895
New MexicoState Farm$644
New YorkKemper$781
North CarolinaErie$630
North DakotaAmerican Family$616
OhioNationwide$485
OklahomaState Farm$662
OregonState Farm$706
PennsylvaniaNationwide$580
Rhode IslandState Farm$700
South CarolinaAmerican National P&C$463
South DakotaAllstate$746
TennesseeState Farm$579
TexasState Farm$699
UtahNationwide$725
VermontState Farm$493
VirginiaAmerican Family$601
WashingtonPEMCO$534
West VirginiaErie$784
WisconsinGEICO$556
WyomingState Farm$745

When to Add a Spouse to an Auto Insurance Policy

Adding your spouse to your car insurance policy can offer several benefits, such as eligibility for multi-car discounts and simplified financial management with one payment and renewal date. Combining policies may be a good idea if any of the following apply to you.

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    Your insurer requires you to add all household members to your policy

    Many insurance companies require you to add all licensed drivers in your household to your policy, including your spouse.

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    You want more discounts

    Adding your spouse to your policy could make you eligible for multi-car discounts. This is especially true if both of you have good driving records. These discounts can significantly lower your overall insurance costs.

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    You're interested in streamlining your insurance policies

    Combining your car insurance with your spouse can simplify your finances. You'll have one payment, one renewal date and one set of coverages to consider.

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    You want lower rates

    If your spouse has a better driving record or credit score than you, adding them to your policy could result in lower rates. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes to see if combining policies offers financial benefits.

When Not to Combine Policies

While getting car insurance with your spouse can offer benefits, it's not always best. If any of the following apply to you or your spouse, it might be better for you to keep separate policies.

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    Your spouse is a high-risk driver

    If your spouse has a history of accidents, DUIs or multiple traffic violations, adding them to your policy could significantly increase your rates. In this case, it might be more cost-effective to maintain separate policies. In these instances, you can list your spouse as an excluded driver on your policy, meaning they won't be covered under your insurance. This can keep your rates from skyrocketing. However, remember that if they drive your car and get into an accident, the costs won't be covered.

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    You live in different states

    If you and your spouse live at a different address and are located in different states, you generally can't combine policies. Insurance rules differ by state, and not all insurance companies operate everywhere. In this situation, keeping separate policies is usually simpler and more practical.

How to Add a Spouse to a Car Insurance Policy

Adding a spouse to your insurance policy is usually a fairly straightforward process. The following outlines the steps typically needed:

  1. 1
    Contact your insurer

    Reach out to your insurance provider to inform them you're getting married and want to add your spouse to your policy.

  2. 2
    Shop around

    If adding your spouse makes the policy too expensive, compare quotes from at least three insurers. Marriage doesn't guarantee lower rates, especially if your spouse is a high-risk driver.

  3. 3
    Ask about discounts

    Once you've picked your preferred insurer, don't forget to inquire about eligible discounts. Many couples bring their own cars into the marriage, and a multi-car policy could offer you some savings.

Consequences of Lying to a Provider About Being Married

Falsely claiming to be married on your car insurance can lead to serious issues, including:

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    Cancellation of your policy

    Your insurance provider could cancel your policy, leaving you without coverage.

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    Denied claims

    If you file a claim, the insurance company could deny it based on the false information, leaving you financially responsible for damages or medical bills.

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    Legal consequences

    Insurance fraud is illegal and could result in fines or even criminal charges.

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    Higher future premiums

    Being caught lying can make it more difficult and expensive to get insurance coverage in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to car insurance, your marital status can play a role in how much you pay. Our frequently asked questions section aims to clear up common questions about married vs. single car insurance and help you understand how tying the knot might affect your rates and what options you have.

Is car insurance cheaper if you’re married or single?

Does being married always affect car insurance?

How does insurance work when you’re married?

Do I need to combine car insurance policies with my spouse?

Is a joint policy with my spouse cheaper or more expensive than a solo policy?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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