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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years of experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Updated
Getting married usually affects your car insurance rates. Insurers consider your marital status when setting rates, and married drivers often qualify for lower premiums. That’s partly because insurers generally consider married drivers as lower risk and less likely to file claims than single drivers.
That said, combining car insurance policies doesn’t make sense for everyone. We’ll help you decide when joining policies is the best move and when it isn’t. Plus, we’ll tell you the best car insurance companies for married couples.
Married couples typically pay less for car insurance thanks to a lower accident risk, multicar discounts, and simplified billing.
Most couples can save when combining policies, especially if they share vehicles and have similar driving records.
Comparing costs for joint and separate policies is still the best way to figure out which option saves you money.
Car insurance companies use many rating factors when setting your premiums, including your driving history, age, location, and vehicle.[1]
Your marital status also affects your rates. Here’s why:
Lower risk: Research shows that married people — even people previously married — have a substantially lower risk of car accidents. A lower accident risk usually means cheaper rates.
Financial stability: Dual-income households appear more financially stable to insurers, so they’ll usually charge less for coverage.
Discounts: Many insurers offer good discounts for married couples, like a multi-car discount for insuring more than one vehicle.
Simplified billing: Insuring two people on the same policy makes billing easier and can sometimes lower your rates.
That said, combining policies isn’t always the right call. Let’s explore when you should and shouldn’t combine coverage.
Most of the time, married couples can save money and simplify their coverage by combining auto insurance policies. Here are some situations when you might want to combine policies:
You both have clean driving records. Combining policies usually makes sense if you’re both safe drivers. That means maintaining a clean driving record without tickets, accidents, or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions.
You share an address. Most insurers require people named on a policy to live at the same address.
You regularly drive each other’s cars. Most insurance policies include coverage for lending your car to someone. But regularly letting your spouse drive your car without adding them to the policy can lead to issues, including denied claims.
You can add discounts. Many insurers offer savings for combining coverage that can significantly lower costs, like multi-car discounts.
You need similar coverage levels. With similar liability limits, deductibles, and coverage options, one policy can keep things simple.
While some couples can save money by combining policies, it’s not the best idea for everyone. Some situations where you may want to keep policies separate include:
One of you has a bad driving record. If one of you has traffic violations or insurance claims on your record, you may cancel out any savings from combining policies.
You have different primary residences. Most insurers require people on the same policy to use the same home address.
You have major credit differences. If one driver has significantly worse credit, it may make sense to have separate policies while they improve their credit.
You need different coverage. If one of you needs specialized coverage offered only by a few insurers, you may save money by having policies with two different companies.
Car insurance rates vary considerably across insurance companies. Every insurer has different ways of assessing risk and calculating premiums. Companies also consider many factors when setting rates, including your marital status.
Though no single company offers the cheapest premiums for every driver, some insurers consistently offer low rates. The table below breaks down the cheapest auto insurance companies for married couples, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $44 | $89 |
| Auto-Owners | $47 | $88 |
| USAA | $53 | $104 |
| State Farm | $55 | $107 |
| Erie | $71 | $127 |
| Allstate | $75 | $148 |
| Mile Auto | $77 | $138 |
| GEICO | $82 | $149 |
| American Family | $83 | $164 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $84 | $179 |
| Safeco | $85 | $135 |
| The General | $86 | $209 |
| National General | $89 | $174 |
| Direct Auto | $94 | $166 |
| Mercury | $96 | $169 |
| GAINSCO | $99 | $213 |
| Dairyland | $100 | $249 |
| Travelers | $100 | $195 |
| Elephant | $107 | $172 |
| Bristol West | $108 | $209 |
| Farmers | $109 | $214 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $112 | $192 |
| Root | $112 | $179 |
| Anchor | $117 | $237 |
| Chubb | $121 | $227 |
| Clearcover | $122 | $211 |
| Plymouth Rock | $125 | $188 |
| Liberty Mutual | $131 | $206 |
| 21st Century | $135 | $257 |
| Shelter | $135 | $243 |
| The Hartford | $141 | $254 |
| State Auto | $156 | $296 |
| CSAA | $162 | $239 |
| Amica | $251 | $450 |
Compare quotes and get the cheapest coverage for you and your spouse.
Married drivers often pay lower rates than single drivers. Married couples typically have more stable incomes and a lower crash risk, so insurers charge them less for coverage. That said, the difference varies by insurer.
The table below compares average liability and full-coverage car insurance rates for married and single drivers, according to data from Compare.com.
Company | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $43 | $88 |
| Auto-Owners | $46 | $87 |
| USAA | $52 | $102 |
| State Farm | $54 | $105 |
| Erie | $70 | $124 |
| Allstate | $74 | $145 |
| Mile Auto | $76 | $135 |
| GEICO | $81 | $146 |
| American Family | $82 | $160 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $83 | $175 |
| Safeco | $84 | $132 |
| The General | $85 | $205 |
| National General | $88 | $170 |
| Direct Auto | $92 | $162 |
| Mercury | $94 | $165 |
| GAINSCO | $97 | $209 |
| Dairyland | $98 | $244 |
| Travelers | $98 | $191 |
| Elephant | $105 | $168 |
| Bristol West | $106 | $205 |
| Farmers | $107 | $210 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $110 | $188 |
| Root | $110 | $175 |
| Anchor | $114 | $232 |
| Chubb | $118 | $222 |
| Clearcover | $119 | $207 |
| Plymouth Rock | $122 | $184 |
| Liberty Mutual | $128 | $202 |
| 21st Century | $132 | $252 |
| Shelter | $132 | $238 |
| The Hartford | $138 | $249 |
| State Auto | $152 | $290 |
| CSAA | $158 | $234 |
| Amica | $246 | $441 |
Company | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $44 | $89 |
| Auto-Owners | $47 | $88 |
| USAA | $53 | $104 |
| State Farm | $55 | $107 |
| Erie | $71 | $127 |
| Allstate | $75 | $148 |
| Mile Auto | $77 | $138 |
| GEICO | $82 | $149 |
| American Family | $83 | $164 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $84 | $179 |
| Safeco | $85 | $135 |
| The General | $86 | $209 |
| National General | $89 | $174 |
| Direct Auto | $94 | $166 |
| Mercury | $96 | $169 |
| GAINSCO | $99 | $213 |
| Dairyland | $100 | $249 |
| Travelers | $100 | $195 |
| Elephant | $107 | $172 |
| Bristol West | $108 | $209 |
| Farmers | $109 | $214 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $112 | $192 |
| Root | $112 | $179 |
| Anchor | $117 | $237 |
| Chubb | $121 | $227 |
| Clearcover | $122 | $211 |
| Plymouth Rock | $125 | $188 |
| Liberty Mutual | $131 | $206 |
| 21st Century | $135 | $257 |
| Shelter | $135 | $243 |
| The Hartford | $141 | $254 |
| State Auto | $156 | $296 |
| CSAA | $162 | $239 |
| Amica | $251 | $450 |
No one company is the best insurer for every driver. But some companies regularly stand above the competition.
We found some of the best car insurance companies for married couples, based on price, coverage, and service. Check them out below.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $81/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $147/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
GEICO offers married drivers big savings with multi-car insurance. Plus, the insurer has more than 20 other discounts. It also has easy online policy management. But GEICO doesn’t offer gap insurance or a diminishing deductible.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $105/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm doesn’t advertise a multi-policy discount, but it does offer married drivers savings when bundling auto and home insurance. Couples can save even more with the Drive Safe & Save telematics program.
Cheaper-than-average car insurance rates
Above-average claims and customer satisfaction
Gap insurance not available
No accident forgiveness
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 665 |
|---|---|
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $43/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $88/mo |
With low rates for high-risk drivers and generous discounts, COUNTRY Financial is a great option for married couples. The company also has above-average customer service scores from J.D. Power. But it isn’t available everywhere, and has fewer coverage options than some competitors.
Low rates for high-risk drivers
Above-average rating for customer satisfaction
Available in only 19 states
Accident forgiveness not available
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Combining car insurance policies is relatively straightforward. Here’s how:
Check your driving records. Review your driving histories to decide if combining policies makes sense. This can also help you find the best insurer for your driving record.
Compare quotes. Rates can vary widely between insurers, so get quotes from several companies to find the right policy for the best price.
Decide on joint or separate policies. After comparing rates, decide if combining policies is right for you. If you want to combine them, choose the coverages and policy limits for each vehicle.
Update your address and vehicle information. Confirm your policy has the correct address and vehicle details. Most insurers require drivers on the same policy to live at the same address.
Ask about discounts. Make sure you take advantage of all available discounts. Talk to your agent or your insurer’s customer service to find out what you might qualify for.
Finalize the policy. Make sure your new combined policy has the right information. Keep your policy documents handy for future reference, and save the customer service phone number in case you need to file a claim.
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Combining car insurance policies often lowers premiums, but the savings don’t have to stop there. Here are some tips to help you lower auto insurance rates even more.
Maintain a clean driving record. Avoiding car accidents and speeding tickets helps you qualify for lower rates and safe-driver discounts.
Increase your deductible. A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium. But make sure you have some funds set aside if you need to file a claim, because you’ll pay more out of pocket.
Pay your bill in full. Most insurers offer a discount for paying for your whole policy term up front.
Improve your credit. Even small improvements in your credit history can lead to lower rates.
Shop around. Compare car insurance quotes regularly to make sure you always have the best rate.
Get quotes from 100-plus top insurers and save money in seconds.
Here are some quick answers to the most common questions married couples ask about combining car insurance.
Typically. Car insurance policies usually cost less for married couples. Married drivers generally have fewer crashes and are more financially stable, so insurers charge lower rates. That said, many factors determine your rates, and some single drivers may pay less for insurance than married couples.
It depends. Married couples typically benefit from combining insurance policies, but not always. If you or your spouse has a less-than-perfect driving record or poor credit, you might be better off with separate policies. Compare rates from multiple insurers to make sure combining insurance makes sense for you.
Yes. Married couples can have separate insurance policies. While most married drivers can benefit from combining car insurance, you may want to keep your policies separate if one of you has poor credit or a less-than-perfect driving record.
GEICO, State Farm, and COUNTRY Financial top our list of the best car insurance companies for married couples. But the best car insurance company for you depends on your coverage needs and budget. Comparing rates from multiple insurers can help you find the best insurance for you.
No. Getting married doesn’t automatically lower car insurance rates. But married couples that combine car insurance policies typically pay lower rates and qualify for more discounts.
Yes. If you combine car insurance, both spouses must be listed on a joint policy. But if you want to keep separate policies, you don’t need to add your spouse to your car insurance.
Yes. Married couples can insure only one car if they own or drive just one vehicle. You can add both spouses to the same auto policy, even if the policy only covers one car.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years of experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
