Car insurance basics for couples: when and when not to share a policy with your partner
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 with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
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 a collision.
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-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. Remember to compare quotes from multiple carriers to ensure you get the best value insurance for your coverage.
When is it better to have a separate car insurance policy from your partner?
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.
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.
| 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 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
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.
While marital status is a rating factor when it comes to insurance premiums, you will not be charged more for being single.
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.
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.
Related Content
- Best Car Insurance for Married Couples
- Car Insurance After a Divorce
- Car Insurance for Families
- Car Insurance for Roommates
- Cheap Car Insurance for Single Parents
- How to Handle Car Insurance After Separation
- Married vs. Single Drivers: Who Pays More for Car Insurance?
- The Best-Rated Car Insurance Companies
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 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.