Best Car Insurance for Unmarried Couples
Car insurance basics for couples Â
Although you might not realize it, being in a serious — but unmarried — relationship can have certain insurance implications. Cohabitation often creates a situation in which the sharing of vehicles occurs.
Car insurance for unmarried couples usually hinges on one question: should you or should you not share a policy? We dive into the nitty-gritty of adding your boyfriend, girlfriend or partner to your auto insurance policy below.
Key takeaways
- Multiple drivers or vehicles on one policy can earn you a discount you wouldn't otherwise qualify for
- If you or your partner's insurance profiles have negative rating factors, consider keeping separate policies
- While married couples often pay less for auto insurance, rates may increase after divorce
When is it smart to share an insurance policy?
1. When it's required by your insurance company
If you’re living with your boyfriend or girlfriend, or if they use your vehicle frequently (more than 12 times per year), consider purchasing a shared car insurance policy. Most insurance companies will require anyone living in your residence to be added to your policy as a listed driver or be excluded altogether. If they are excluded from the policy, they should not drive your vehicle, as they would not have coverage in the event of an accident. It's worth noting, however, that some states — like New York — do not allow household members to be listed as excluded drivers.
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2. When you can get a discount
By adding another driver — and, most likely, their vehicle — to your policy you can expect a multi-vehicle or multi-driver discount. This discount could come in handy if you’re bundling your home and auto or auto and renters policies with one insurance company. Remember to compare quotes from multiple carriers to ensure you get the best value insurance for your coverage.
Get auto insurance for you and your partner today!
When is it better to have a separate car insurance policies?
Because your car insurance covers people who use your vehicle with your permission and don’t use it particularly often, they would receive coverage in the event of an accident.
If your partner has a bad driving record, it might make sense to keep them off your policy. Keeping them off your car insurance policy would ensure you are not financially penalized for their driving mistakes.
Insurance companies in most states use credit score as a determining factor when setting rates. Like a poor driving record, a low credit score can impact your premium significantly.
If you drive a Toyota and your significant other drives a Tesla, the difference in your car insurance costs will probably be substantial. Your insurance company moderates the risk of covering such an expensive car by charging high premiums. If you’re worried about footing the bill if something happens to their luxury car, sharing a policy might not be a great idea.
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Average auto insurance premiums for unmarried policyholders
While insurance applicants are not charged more for being single, married couples often pay less for car insurance as companies see couples as less risky clients. Below are some average rates for single people from top insurance companies.Â
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,342 |
| USAA | $1,365 |
| GEICO | $1,542 |
| State Farm | $1,569 |
| Farmers | $1,786 |
| Progressive | $1,886 |
| Allstate | $2,413 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
How does a breakup impact car insurance premiums?
You will not be charged more simply for being single. The only time your premium will rise after a relationship change is if you file for divorce. Married couples pay less for car insurance because companies see them as less risky clients. However, you could see a change in your premium if you go from a two-driver insurance policy to a single-driver policy.
If you lived with your significant other and shared a car insurance policy, you'll need to take some steps after a breakup. If you've taken responsibility for the vehicle post-breakup, you should get a new car insurance policy immediately. If you’ve been removed from your ex’s policy before you can get a new one, you are uninsured and won't be covered in the event of an accident.Â
So, should you share car insurance with your girlfriend or boyfriend?
The decision to merge auto insurance policies with your partner is up to you. If your partner uses your vehicle regularly and you cohabitate, consider sharing your policy to avoid headaches with your insurance company. Get quick quotes for combined auto insurance policies by entering your ZIP code below.
Make an informed decision: compare insurance rates today.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.