Can unmarried couples share a car insurance policy? Learn how to handle car insurance and cohabitation.
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.
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 a collision.
By adding another driver — and, most likely, their vehicle — to your policy you can expect a multi-vehicle or multi-policy discount. This discount could come in handy if you’re bundling your home and auto or auto and renters policies with one insurance company.
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 softens 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.
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.
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.
