Car insurance quotes can feel like a puzzle, with pieces like age, driving history, and location all fitting together to determine your premium. But there’s one factor that often surprises people: marital status. Why does being married, single, or divorced matter to insurance companies? And how much of a difference does it really make? In this deep dive, we’ll unravel the role marital status plays in car insurance quotes, backed by research, real-life examples, and expert insights. By the end, you’ll understand why insurers care about your relationship status and how to navigate it to get the best rates.
Why Do Insurers Care About Marital Status?
Insurance companies are in the business of assessing risk. Every factor they consider—whether it’s your driving record or the type of car you drive—helps them predict how likely you are to file a claim. Marital status is one of those factors, and it’s not as random as it seems.
Studies, like one from the Insurance Information Institute (III), show that married drivers tend to file fewer claims than single drivers. Why? Married individuals are often perceived as more stable and responsible. They’re more likely to have settled lifestyles, drive cautiously, and avoid risky behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence. Insurers use this data to assign lower risk profiles to married drivers, which often translates to lower premiums.
But it’s not just about stereotypes. Real-world data backs this up. According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), married drivers are involved in 12% fewer accidents per year compared to their single counterparts. This statistic gives insurers a solid reason to factor in marital status when calculating quotes.
A Real-Life Example: Sarah and Mike’s Story
Let’s meet Sarah and Mike, a couple from Chicago. When they were engaged, they each had separate car insurance policies. Sarah, a 30-year-old single woman, paid $1,200 annually for her coverage. Mike, also 30, paid $1,350 because of a minor speeding ticket from a few years back. After they got married and combined their policies, their insurer offered a multi-car discount and lowered their individual rates due to their new marital status. Their combined premium dropped to $2,000—a savings of $550 a year.
Sarah and Mike’s story isn’t unique. Many couples experience similar savings after tying the knot, but the extent of the discount depends on the insurer, location, and other factors. Let’s explore how this works in more detail.
How Marital Status Affects Car Insurance Premiums
Marital status doesn’t impact your insurance rates in isolation—it’s one piece of a larger puzzle. Insurers consider it alongside factors like age, gender, credit score, and driving history. Here’s a breakdown of how different marital statuses can influence your car insurance quotes:
Married Drivers: Lower Rates, More Savings
Married drivers often enjoy lower premiums for a few reasons:
Lower Risk Profile: As mentioned earlier, data shows married drivers are less likely to get into accidents. Insurers reward this lower risk with cheaper rates.
Multi-Car Discounts: Married couples often insure multiple vehicles under one policy, which can lead to significant savings. According to Progressive, multi-car discounts can reduce premiums by up to 25%.
Shared Policies: Combining policies with a spouse can streamline coverage and reduce administrative costs for insurers, which they pass on as savings.
For example, a 2024 report from ValuePenguin found that married drivers pay an average of 8% less for car insurance than single drivers, with savings ranging from $50 to $200 annually depending on the state.
Single Drivers: Higher Premiums, But Not Always
Single drivers, particularly younger ones, often face higher premiums. Insurers associate single status with higher risk, especially for drivers under 30. This is because younger, single drivers are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors, like distracted driving or speeding.
However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. A single 40-year-old with a clean driving record and good credit may pay rates comparable to a married driver of the same age. The impact of marital status diminishes as other factors, like driving experience and financial stability, take precedence.
Divorced or Widowed Drivers: A Mixed Bag
Divorced or widowed drivers often fall into a gray area. If you’re recently divorced, your rates may increase slightly, especially if you’re no longer eligible for multi-car discounts or if your credit score takes a hit during the divorce process. A 2023 study by The Zebra found that divorced drivers pay an average of 5% more than married drivers but less than single drivers.
Widowed drivers, on the other hand, may retain some of the benefits of their previous marital status, especially if they maintain a stable lifestyle and good driving habits. However, insurers may adjust rates if the policyholder’s circumstances change significantly, like moving to a new area or downsizing to a single-car policy.
Domestic Partnerships and Common-Law Marriages
What about couples who aren’t legally married but live together or are in a domestic partnership? Some insurers treat domestic partners or common-law spouses the same as married couples, offering similar discounts. For example, companies like Geico and State Farm allow domestic partners to combine policies in certain states, provided they meet specific criteria, like sharing a residence or joint financial responsibilities.
However, not all insurers recognize domestic partnerships, so it’s worth checking with your provider. In states like California, where domestic partnerships are legally recognized, you’re more likely to qualify for married-equivalent rates.
State-Specific Rules and Regulations
Where you live plays a big role in how marital status affects your car insurance. Insurance is regulated at the state level, and some states have stricter rules about how insurers can use personal factors like marital status.
For example:
California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts: These states prohibit insurers from using marital status as a factor in determining rates. If you live in one of these states, being married or single won’t directly impact your premium.
Michigan: Michigan’s 2020 insurance reforms limit the use of non-driving factors like marital status, but insurers can still consider it indirectly through discounts like multi-car policies.
Other States: In most states, marital status is fair game, and insurers can adjust rates based on whether you’re married, single, or divorced.
To find out how your state handles marital status, check with your state’s insurance department or consult a licensed insurance agent.
Expert Insights: What Insurers Don’t Tell You
To get a clearer picture, I reached out to Jane Carter, a licensed insurance broker with over 15 years of experience. According to Jane, “Marital status is just one of many data points insurers use, but it’s not the most important. Your driving record and credit score have a much bigger impact. That said, married drivers often benefit from discounts that single drivers don’t qualify for, like loyalty or multi-policy discounts.”
Jane also pointed out that some insurers are moving away from using marital status due to consumer pushback and regulatory changes. “In the next few years, we might see more states ban the use of marital status altogether,” she predicts.
Another expert, Dr. Michael Liu, a data scientist who studies insurance trends, emphasized the role of telematics in modern insurance. “With usage-based insurance programs, like Progressive’s Snapshot or Allstate’s Drivewise, your actual driving habits matter more than demographic factors like marital status. If you’re a safe driver, you can offset any ‘single driver’ penalty.”
How to Save on Car Insurance, Regardless of Marital Status
Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, there are ways to lower your car insurance premiums. Here are some actionable tips:
1. Shop Around for Quotes
Insurance rates vary widely between companies, so it’s worth comparing quotes from at least three providers. Websites like Compare.com or Insurify make it easy to see multiple quotes at once. Even if you’re married and already getting a discount, you might find a better deal elsewhere.
2. Bundle Policies
If you’re married or in a domestic partnership, consider bundling your car insurance with other policies, like homeowners or renters insurance. Bundling can save you 10-20% on your premiums, according to the III.
3. Improve Your Credit Score
In most states, your credit score has a bigger impact on your insurance rates than marital status. Pay your bills on time, reduce debt, and check your credit report for errors to boost your score.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts
Ask your insurer about discounts you might qualify for, such as safe driver, good student, or low-mileage discounts. Married drivers should specifically inquire about multi-car or loyalty discounts.
5. Consider Usage-Based Insurance
If you’re a safe driver, usage-based insurance programs can save you money by tracking your driving habits. These programs often outweigh the impact of marital status, especially for single drivers.
6. Drive a Safe Vehicle
Cars with high safety ratings, like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, often come with lower insurance costs. Check the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings before buying a new car.
Common Myths About Marital Status and Car Insurance
Let’s debunk a few myths that often confuse drivers:
Myth 1: Getting married always lowers your rates. While marriage often leads to savings, it’s not guaranteed. If one spouse has a poor driving record, combining policies could actually increase your rates.
Myth 2: Single drivers always pay more. Older single drivers with clean records may pay rates similar to married drivers, especially if they qualify for other discounts.
Myth 3: Marital status is the biggest factor. Factors like your driving history, location, and credit score typically have a larger impact on your premium.
FAQs: Quick Answers for Curious Drivers
Q: Does getting divorced increase my car insurance rates?
A: It can, especially if you lose multi-car discounts or your credit score drops. However, the increase is usually modest—around 5% on average.
Q: Can I get married rates if I’m in a domestic partnership?
A: Some insurers offer similar discounts for domestic partners, but it depends on the company and state. Check with your provider.
Q: Why do single drivers pay more?
A: Insurers associate single drivers, especially younger ones, with higher risk due to statistical trends in accident rates.
Q: Are there states where marital status doesn’t affect rates?
A: Yes, states like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts ban insurers from using marital status as a factor.
The Bottom Line: Marital Status Matters, But It’s Not Everything
Marital status plays a real role in car insurance quotes, with married drivers often enjoying lower rates due to their lower risk profile and access to discounts. However, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Your driving record, credit score, and location have a bigger impact, and safe drivers—married or not—can always find ways to save.
By shopping around, bundling policies, and taking advantage of discounts, you can keep your premiums in check, no matter your relationship status. So, whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, take control of your insurance costs and drive with confidence.