The Best Car Insurance Companies for Married Drivers

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Written by Sarah Sharkey Edited by Quiana Darden Reviewed by Amanda Clear

Updated November 15, 2022

After the wedding bells ring, newly married couples have to sort through the financial details of their life together.  Car insurance is one of those issues that must be considered. 

As a married couple, it’s often possible to lock in slightly lower rates if you secure insurance together, but you won’t know until you look at quotes from different companies. Ultimately, price aside, there are some auto insurers that are better for married couples than others. We’ll explore the best car insurance companies for married couples to help you through this process. 

Key Takeaways:

• Married couples can find savings in combining their auto policies to maximize discounts and streamline their insurance bills.
• If married couples decide to keep separate auto policies, it is imperative that they list one another as drivers on both policies if they live in the same household.
• Married couples should consider price when combining their auto policies, but they should also consider their carrier’s customer satisfaction rating and financial strength to make sure they are taken care of in the event of a claim.

Best Car Insurance Companies for Married Couples

The quote you receive when on the hunt for car insurance is only part of finding a good auto insurance policy. If you want to find the best car insurance, you have to look beyond price. You’ll also want to consider other factors, like customer satisfaction and financial strength. Otherwise, you could get stuck in a sticky situation if you have to file a claim. 

Below you’ll find some of the best car insurance companies for married couples. These companies have high customer satisfaction ratings and strong levels of financial stability. Here’s what you need to know about each. 

Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance has built a reputation for offering affordable car insurance rates to drivers. If you are married, you might find attractive rates with this company. But the high customer satisfaction ratings set Erie Insurance apart from the crowd. 

The company has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Plus, with over 1,300 ratings, Erie Insurance earned 3.9 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs. 

In addition to those accolades, Erie Insurance earned the top spot in the 2022 J.D Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction in both the Mid-Atlantic and North Central regions. 

State Farm

State Farm is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the country. When you work with State Farm, you’ll find many resources at the company’s disposal. With such deep pockets, its financial stability is top-notch. 

Many drivers report finding low rates with State Farm. In terms of customer satisfaction, the J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Study found it ranked the highest in the Southwest region. But the company also scored above average customer satisfaction ratings in most other areas. 

With over 600 ratings, State Farm has earned 3.8 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs. If you work with State Farm, you’ll find a wide array of discounts to help you keep costs low. 

Amica Mutual

Amica Mutual has been around since 1907. But the insurer operates a bit differently than most. Amica is a mutual insurer owned by its policyholders and directly writes insurance policies. During its long tenure, it has developed a reputation for exceptional customer service. 

The company has earned 4.1 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Additionally, Amica Mutual scored the highest in customer satisfaction in the New England portion of the J.D. Power study. 

Shelter 

Shelter Insurance provides auto insurance policies in both the Midwest and the Southeast. But it earned the top spot for customer satisfaction in the Center region, which includes states like Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and North Dakota. 

The company earned 4.2 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. If you live in one of the states covered by Shelter, it might be worth it to take a closer look. 

The Hartford

For older married couples, The Hartford is a worthwhile option to consider. It’s only available to AARP members, meaning you’ll need to be at least 50 years old to be insured by the company. 

In the Northwest, The Hartford scored the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the J.D. Power study. Senior and membership discounts will likely bring down older couples’ insurance costs. Couples that opt to participate in The Hartford’s telematics program, TrueLane, could save even more. 

Does My Spouse Have to be on My Car Insurance Policy?

If you both have your own vehicles, you’ll likely come into the marriage with separate auto insurance policies. After you get married, it’s possible to keep your auto insurance policies separate. 

Keep in mind that you’ll usually need to be listed on each other’s policies if you live in the same household or completely exclude your spouse from being on your policy. When your spouse is excluded from your policy, they aren’t covered if they drive your car. 

So, if they drive your car to the store while their vehicle is in the shop and they’re involved in an accident, your insurance company won’t cover the claim. 

For married people not living in the same household, you might not have to add each other to your separate policies. 

If you want to avoid getting a joint car insurance policy, read the fine print of your specific insurance policy. Consider speaking to a customer service representative to determine whether the company allows you to exclude your partner from your policy. 

When to Have Separate Car Insurance Policies

Combining auto insurance policies with your spouse can raise or lower your rates depending on the situation. The rate changes will be tied to your driving record. In cases where both of you have good driving records without any infractions, insurance companies might reward you both with lower rates. 

But in cases where one of you has a significant infraction on your record, like a DUI or multiple traffic violations, both might see their insurance rates spike. 

If your spouse has a poor driving record, then sticking to separate policies might keep your rates more reasonable. 

Benefits of Combining Auto Insurance Policies When Married

When you get married, there are lots of potential financial advantages. In terms of car insurance, several benefits are coming your way:

• Lower rates might be available: Getting married will lead to lower auto insurance premiums for some couples. According to the Insurance Information Institute, married couples might qualify for a discount on their premiums. 
• Consolidate bills. When you combine your auto insurance policies, you’ll only have one bill to keep track of instead of two. It’s often easier to budget for a single payment than multiple payments. 
• Tap into bundling discounts: If you have two vehicles in your newly minted household, combining your policies could lead to a bundling discount. 
• Eliminate insurance gaps: Spouses often trade cars or driving responsibilities for various reasons, so for many it makes sense to be on the same policy. Typically, it also lowers your household liabilities for an accident if you combine your insurance policies. 
• One renewal date: Shopping for car insurance is a financial chore so limiting this experience to just once or twice a year is nice. Sticking with separate policies means doubling the times you have to consider car insurance. 

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to combining auto insurance policies as a married couple. The major hiccup happens if the marriage doesn’t last. In that worst-case scenario, getting separate auto insurance policies can be a hassle. 

Auto Insurance Discounts for Married Couples

When shopping for auto insurance as a married couple, there are several discounts to look for. Take a look at the potential discounts available below:

• Married couple discount: Although rare, some insurance companies offer a specific discount for married couples. But even if the insurance company doesn’t provide a particular deal, many married couples find lower rates when combining policies. 
• Multi-car discount: If you and your spouse own your own vehicles and insure them under the same policy, you might find a multi-car discount waiting for you. 
• Multi-policy discount: For many married couples, an auto insurance policy is one of many types of insurance necessary. You might also need homeowner’s insurance or life insurance. Bundling can lead to lower rates if you are shopping for more than one type of insurance policy. 
• Payment discounts: When combining households and incomes, you might be able to afford to pay the entire auto insurance bill upfront. If that’s the case, you can often lock in a discount for paying upfront. 
• New customer discounts: A new marriage is a perfect time to reassess your auto insurance needs. In some situations, you’ll opt for a new car insurance provider, which can lead to an auto insurance discount. 

Take advantage of a potential discount. If you think you qualify, ask about the discount to save money on your next policy. 

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance for Married Couples

Is car insurance cheaper for a married couple?

In many cases, car insurance is typically cheaper when you are married, but it depends on your driving record and other factors. Many married couples save on their policies because they take advantage of a multi-car and multi-policy discount. 

Should spouses be on the same car insurance?

In many cases, sharing a policy with your spouse is the best option. Not only will sharing a policy cut down on your financial chores, but it can also help you lock in a lower premium. 

But, in some situations – particularly if one partner has a less than stellar driving record – it might make sense to keep separate policies. 

Why does being married lower car insurance?

Car insurance companies determine premiums based on the likelihood that you’ll file a claim. In the case of married couples, the statistics show that couples are less likely to file a claim than single drivers. 

Since married couples are less likely to file a claim, that usually leads to lower auto insurance premiums. However, married couples with less-than-ideal driving records will face higher insurance premiums due to their driving habits. 

How to get the cheapest car insurance as a married couple?

Different companies determine your insurance premiums in slightly different ways. You’ll sometimes find better rates by opting for a joint policy. But to lock in the best rates, shopping around for the lowest car insurance premiums is important. 

As you shop around, don’t just look at the rates. It’s also important to consider the reputation of top insurance companies. You want to work with an insurance company that can quickly resolve a claim.

Summary

The best car insurance company for married couples varies based on several factors. As a married couple, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to shop around for the most affordable policy. 

Compare makes it easy to explore quotes from multiple car insurance companies. Ready to get started? Take advantage of this free car insurance comparison tool today.

Sarah Sharkey Auto Insurance Writer

Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer and auto insurance who loves diving into the details to help readers make savvy life choices. She has written for numerous publications, including Business Insider, SmartAsset, and Rocket Mortgage.