Married? Expect Lower Auto Insurance Premiums

does being married lower auto insurance

Getting married can be a great way to lower your auto insurance premiums. On average, married couples pay less for car insurance than single drivers, with rates up to 13% lower. This is because married people are seen as more financially stable and safer drivers, and data shows that married drivers are involved in fewer accidents and make fewer claims. However, this isn't always the case, and factors like driving history and credit score can also impact premiums.

Characteristics Values
Average annual cost of car insurance for married couples $1,381
Average annual cost of car insurance for single drivers $1,484
Average annual cost of car insurance for divorced drivers $1,467
Average annual cost of car insurance for widowed drivers $1,437
Average discount for car insurance for married couples 4% to 12%
Average discount for car insurance for married couples (CarInsurance.com) 8%
Average discount for car insurance for married couples (rate analysis by CarInsurance.com) 13%
States that do not allow marital status to be a determining factor for car insurance rates Montana, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Michigan
States that do not allow the use of credit information when calculating rates California, Hawaii, Michigan, Massachusetts
States that do not allow the use of ZIP code as a determining factor California, Michigan
States that do not consider age a contributing rating factor Hawaii, Massachusetts
States that do not use gender when determining rates California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania

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Married couples are seen as safer drivers

Married couples are often viewed as safer drivers than single people. This perception is based on the assumption that married people are more mature and responsible, and therefore less likely to drive recklessly. This is supported by statistics, which show that married drivers are involved in fewer accidents and have a lower risk of making insurance claims.

A study by the National Institute of Health found that unmarried drivers who have never been married are twice as likely to be injured in an accident as married drivers. This suggests that married people are safer drivers, which leads to insurance companies offering lower rates to married couples.

Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute, explains that "many companies offer discounts for being married, with the assumption being that you are a more cautious driver". She adds that this assumption is especially true for younger people who get married, as they are seen as becoming more reliable and less risky in the eyes of insurance companies, leading to lower premiums.

Married couples are also more likely to be homeowners, which can lead to bundling their home and car insurance policies, resulting in additional discounts. Overall, these factors contribute to married couples being seen as safer drivers and receiving lower car insurance rates.

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They are also considered more financially stable

Married people are considered more financially stable for several reasons. Firstly, they are often viewed as more mature and responsible, which extends to their finances. They are also usually considered safer drivers, which means they are less likely to be involved in accidents and make insurance claims. This perception of being more cautious and reliable is reflected in the statistics, which show that married drivers are involved in fewer accidents and have a lower risk of insurance claims. This results in lower car insurance premiums for married couples.

Another reason married people are seen as more financially stable is that they typically have two incomes, which can provide a greater sense of financial security. This can be especially beneficial if one spouse has a higher earning power than the other, as it can help them save for the future and achieve their financial goals more easily. Additionally, married couples can benefit from shared household expenses and duties, which can reduce their overall living costs. They can also take advantage of various tax breaks and deductions that are exclusive to married couples, such as the ability to file joint tax returns and the higher standard deduction for couples.

Furthermore, married couples often have the opportunity to bundle their insurance policies, such as homeowners and auto insurance, which can lead to additional discounts and lower premiums. They may also be able to save money by insuring multiple vehicles under one policy. These factors all contribute to the perception of married couples as more financially stable and lower-risk clients in the eyes of insurance companies.

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They are more likely to bundle insurance policies

Married couples are more likely to bundle their insurance policies. This is because they are often perceived as more financially stable and safer drivers, and are therefore offered reduced rates. Insurers also assume that married couples are more mature and responsible, and are less likely to drive recklessly. Statistics support this, showing that married drivers are involved in fewer accidents than single people and have a lower risk of insurance claims.

Married couples are also more likely to be homeowners, and will therefore bundle their home insurance with their auto insurance. Homeowners insurance is usually only offered to those who are seen as financially stable and lower risk, and so married couples are more likely to be offered this type of insurance. They can then benefit from the discount offered for bundling home and auto insurance.

In addition, married couples are more likely to insure multiple vehicles and drivers on one policy. This is another way in which they can benefit from discounts, as insuring multiple cars with one policy can lead to significant savings.

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They are more likely to qualify for discounts

Married couples are more likely to qualify for discounts than single individuals. Multi-driver and multi-vehicle discounts can significantly reduce insurance premiums. For example, if both partners own a car, they can insure both vehicles under one policy and receive a discount. The discount can be substantial, sometimes as much as 25%. It is also easier to manage one multi-car policy than two single-car policies.

Married couples are also more likely to be homeowners, allowing them to bundle their home and auto insurance policies, leading to further discounts. Homeowners are typically viewed as financially stable and lower risk, so companies like Liberty Mutual, Progressive, and Travelers offer this discount. It is not necessary for homeowners and auto insurance to be with the same insurer for a couple to be eligible for a homeowner discount.

Additionally, married couples may also qualify for other auto insurance discounts that are not exclusive to spouses. For example, Progressive offers a 10% discount for homeowners, even if they don't buy Progressive home insurance.

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They drive less often than single people

Marital status is a significant factor in determining auto insurance rates. On average, married couples pay less for car insurance than single individuals. One reason for this disparity is the assumption that married couples drive less frequently than single people. This assumption is based on the idea that married couples share driving responsibilities, resulting in each person spending less time behind the wheel.

The notion that married individuals drive less often than their single counterparts is supported by statistical evidence. Studies have consistently shown that married drivers are involved in fewer accidents and have a lower risk of insurance claims. This data suggests that married couples are indeed less likely to drive than single people, contributing to their classification as lower-risk insurance clients.

Furthermore, insurance companies often perceive married couples as more financially stable and responsible than single individuals. The assumption of greater financial security is based on the tendency for married couples to pool their assets, own homes, and have children. These factors contribute to the perception of reduced risk associated with married couples, influencing their insurance rates.

It is worth noting that while marital status plays a significant role in determining insurance rates, other factors also come into play. For example, driving history, credit score, age, vehicle type, and location can all impact insurance premiums. Additionally, insurance rates can vary depending on the state and the specific insurance company.

In conclusion, the assumption that married couples drive less often than single people is supported by statistical evidence and perceptions of reduced risk associated with married couples. This factor, along with others, contributes to the lower auto insurance rates typically offered to married individuals.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, married couples typically pay lower premiums than single people.

Insurance companies view married people as more financially stable, safer drivers, and less likely to file a claim. Married couples are also more likely to bundle their insurance policies, qualify for multi-driver discounts, and drive fewer miles.

On average, married couples pay $96 less per year for car insurance than single, widowed, or divorced drivers. The Zebra estimates that the average married driver in the United States pays $1381 annually for car insurance.

No. If one spouse has a poor driving record or a bad credit history, this can negatively impact the couple's auto insurance rates.

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