If you live together and share a vehicle, you do not have to be married to be on the same car insurance policy. However, joint car insurance for married couples is more challenging. If you both own your vehicles separately, you can still be listed on each other’s policies but may not be able to combine them.
“A couple’s relationship status can make a big difference when it comes to joint car insurance policies. Married couples or partners who live together often get better rates since insurers see them as lower risk, but dating couples or roommates might have fewer options or pay a bit more for a shared policy,” says James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
Learn more about car insurance for unmarried couples.
- Most car insurance companies require that all household members be listed on your auto insurance, whether married or not.
- If unmarried persons own their cars individually, they must also have separate auto insurance policies. However, each can be listed as a driver per the other’s policy.
- Adding another person to your auto insurance policy may raise your rates, depending on their driving history.
How does car insurance work if we’re living together, unmarried and sharing a car?
If you live together and share a vehicle, you don’t have to be married to be on the same car insurance policy.
“If both people are living in the same household, then both should be able to be listed on the same insurance policy, even if they are not married or related,” says Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute.
You may have to add your partner to your car insurance if they’re living with you – and roommates.
“Most car insurance companies require that you list all household members on your auto insurance policy,” Worters says.
Depending on the person’s driving history and other factors, you may pay more when adding drivers to your policy.
How does car insurance work if we live together, unmarried, but own and drive different cars?
Contact your insurer to see whether they want you to combine policies – likely, they won’t require you to unless you’re married. It is important to note that if you and your partner are unmarried and living together but own and drive different vehicles, you may be unable to combine your insurance policies.
A car insurance policy must be in the name of the person who owns the vehicle. Adding your partner and their car to your policy may get tricky.
Most car insurance companies require that you have an insurable interest in a car to insure it under your policy. In other words, you cannot insure a vehicle you do not own under your policy. Therefore, if you are not listed as your partner’s vehicle owner, you cannot insure that vehicle on your policy.
Separate policies, but list each other as drivers
You may end up with two policies in the household. If that is the case, you may still need to list your partner as a driver on your vehicle (since you live in the same household), and your partner may also be required to list you on his or her policy.
How can you add your significant other to your car insurance policy?
Adding your significant other to your insurance policy can provide financial protection and peace of mind. Here are the steps you can follow to add your partner to your insurance policy:
- Contact your insurance company: Reach out to your insurance company and inform them that you wish to add your significant other to your policy.
- Gather necessary information: Before making the call, have the following details about your significant other ready: Full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, driving history (including any accidents or traffic violations), Social Security Number and vehicle information (if they own a car you wish to add to the policy).
- Review premium changes: Adding another driver may affect your insurance premiums depending on their driving record, credit score and age.
- Update and confirm the policy: Once you’ve agreed to the terms, your insurance provider will update your policy. Request a copy of the revised policy documents and review them for accuracy.
“Unmarried couples can usually get joint car insurance, but most insurers require them to live at the same address. Some companies might ask for proof of shared residence, like a lease agreement or utility bill, to confirm eligibility,” Brau says.
Car insurance rates for married vs single drivers
Marital status is one of many factors that insurance companies consider when determining car insurance rates. Based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis, married drivers generally pay 8% less on car insurance rates than single drivers.
Married individuals may drive more cautiously, especially if they have family members to consider, which can lead to fewer accidents.
Married couples often bundle their insurance policies, such as auto and home insurance, which can qualify them for multi-policy discounts. Additionally, insuring multiple vehicles under one policy can lead to further savings.
Below is a comparison of average annual car insurance rates for married vs. single drivers from different companies.
| Company | Married drivers | Single drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,042 | $2,310 |
| Allstate | $2,684 | $2,866 |
| Nationwide | $1,574 | $1,680 |
| Geico | $1,750 | $1,897 |
| American Family | $1,590 | $1,778 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,813 | $1,949 |
| Farmers | $2,500 | $2,595 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,004 | $1,100 |
| USAA* | $1,237 | $1,365 |
*Note: USAA offers car insurance only to military members, veterans and their families.
Find out which drivers get better car insurance rates: married or single
Will a partner’s poor driving history increase premiums?
Yes, your partner’s poor driving history can increase your car insurance premiums if they are listed on your policy or share a policy. Insurance companies assess the risk of all drivers covered under a policy, and a driver with a history of accidents or traffic violations represents a higher risk.
What happens to the policy if the relationship ends?
The primary policyholder should reach out to the insurance company to let them know about the change. If both of you are listed on the policy, your significant other must find their own coverage. It’s a good idea for both of you to get separate policies as soon as possible to avoid any gaps in coverage.
Find out if you need to notify your insurer about your divorce.
When should you consider adding your girlfriend or boyfriend to your policy?
You should consider adding your girlfriend or boyfriend to your car insurance policy under the following circumstances:
- You live together: If you and your partner live together, adding them to your policy makes sense, as you likely share vehicles or drive each other’s cars frequently.
- You drive each other’s cars regularly: If your partner frequently uses your vehicle, adding them to your policy ensures they are adequately covered in case of an accident. Failing to do so might lead to claim denials or insufficient coverage.
- Policy requirements: Some insurance companies require all regular drivers of a vehicle to be listed on the policy, so adding your partner might be necessary for compliance.
Tips for unmarried couples considering a joint car insurance policy
Combining your car insurance policies might offer benefits if you and your partner are unmarried but share vehicles or live together. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Not all insurers allow unmarried couples to share a policy. Confirm with your provider whether they permit joint policies for cohabiting partners.
- Your premiums could increase if your partner has a poor driving record or low credit score. Weigh the cost implications before combining policies.
- Discuss and decide on coverage limits, deductibles and additional options like collision or comprehensive coverage.
- Get estimates from multiple insurers to find the best rates and coverage for your situation. Inquire about discounts you might qualify for, such as safe drivers, low mileage or bundling with home/condo insurance.
- Keep each other informed about any changes affecting your insurance, like traffic violations or credit issues. Review your policy together to ensure it still meets your needs, and plan to adjust coverage as necessary.
The bottom line
If you’re unmarried, you may be able to share a car insurance policy, provided you fulfill the eligibility requirements set by your insurance company. Combining policies allows you to enjoy potential savings, simplify management and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to live together to be on the same car insurance?
It is not necessary to live at the same address to be on the same car insurance policy. However, most insurers require adding individuals who often drive your vehicle, even if they don’t live with you.
Is it cheaper to have joint car insurance?
A joint car insurance policy is generally less expensive for married couples than maintaining separate policies. However, if you’re not married, comparing insurance quotes first is wise, as your partner’s credit score and driving history could influence a policy’s cost.
Am I required to add my girlfriend or boyfriend to my policy?
You are not legally required to add your girlfriend or boyfriend to your car insurance policy. However, if they regularly drive your vehicle, it may be a good idea to add them to your policy to ensure they are covered in case of an accident. Not adding someone who frequently drives your car could lead to complications with claims if an incident occurs.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Progressive. “Unmarried.” Accessed December 2024.
- Insurance Information Institute. “Married.” Accessed December 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to pull rates in 2023 for a 40-year-old male driver with a good driving record, 12-mile commute to work and full coverage insurance with 100/300/50 liability limits and $500 comprehensive/collision deductibles driving a 2021 Honda Accord LX.
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