Moving in with a partner or getting married is exciting, and it comes with a lot of paperwork. Car insurance is one item on that list that often gets pushed aside. You may be wondering whether you have to combine policies, whether it will save money and what happens if your partner has a worse driving record than you. This page explains when to add a spouse or partner to your policy, how it affects the price and how to decide between one policy and two.
The basic rule: list everyone who lives with you
Insurers want to know about every licensed driver in your household and every person who regularly drives your car. This includes a spouse, a domestic partner and an unmarried partner who lives with you. If your partner moves in and drives your car, even occasionally, you should tell your insurer. Leaving someone off a policy to avoid a price increase may save money until there is a claim, and then it can cause the insurer to deny it or to cancel the policy. Our article on whether car insurance follows the car or the driver explains how coverage works when more than one person drives.
Married or not, the key is who lives where
Many insurers treat married drivers more favorably. Statistically, married drivers have fewer claims on average, and some companies offer lower rates or discounts to them. Unmarried couples who share a home usually still need to be listed, but they may not qualify for the same marital-status discount. Rules differ by company and state, so ask directly how your relationship is treated. Be honest about the facts, such as who lives at the address, who owns each car and who drives it.
One policy or two?
Couples usually have two choices, and each has trade-offs.
- One combined policy. You and your partner share a policy with all cars and drivers on it. The advantages include multi-car and multi-driver discounts, a single bill and often a lower combined cost. The disadvantage is that one person’s bad record, tickets or accidents affect the whole policy, and the premium rises for both.
- Two separate policies. Each person keeps their own policy. The advantage is that each record stands alone, which can help if one of you has a poor record. The disadvantage is that you lose multi-car discounts and may pay more in total.
The right answer depends on your records, your cars and your budget. The only reliable way to find out is to get both quotes. Our guide on how to compare car insurance quotes shows how to do it fairly.
What happens to your price when your partner joins
Adding a driver changes the premium, and the size of the change depends on that person’s age, driving record, years of experience and the car they drive. If your partner has a clean record, the cost may be small and may be offset by discounts. If they have tickets, accidents or a lapse in coverage, the increase can be larger. A new driver, or someone with no prior insurance, may also cost more. Read our page on car insurance with no prior insurance if that applies.
Cars and ownership
When a partner adds a car, the person who owns it usually needs to be on the policy. If the car is titled to one of you and the other drives it, make sure the insurer knows. If you plan to put both names on the title, the policy should show both. See how to insure a car that is not in your name for more on ownership. If you buy a car together, read how to insure a car before you buy it. Adding a second vehicle is covered on our page about adding a second car to your policy.
Discounts that may apply
- Multi-car. Insuring two or more cars with one company usually costs less per car.
- Multi-policy. Bundling auto with renters or homeowners insurance often earns a discount.
- Married or household status. Some insurers offer lower rates for married drivers.
- Safe driver and claim-free. A clean joint record can help.
- Good student, defensive driving and telematics. These can apply to any driver on the policy.
Our page on auto insurance discounts lists more.
What if one of you has a bad record?
This is the most common worry. Some insurers rate the whole policy on the worst driver, while others weigh each driver’s record. If your partner has several tickets, a recent at-fault accident or a suspended license, you may pay much more on a combined policy. Get a quote for each option, including a separate policy for the higher-risk driver. Our guides on how long a speeding ticket affects insurance and car insurance with a suspended license may help. Do not simply leave the driver off the policy if they will be driving your car.
If your partner already has insurance
Do not cancel either policy until the new arrangement is active. A gap in coverage can lead to fines, a suspended registration in some states and higher prices later. Their insurance history, such as years of continuous coverage and a clean record, can help you both. Read how to cancel car insurance without losing money before you switch.
If your relationship changes
Insurance should follow your situation. If you separate, drivers and cars may need to be moved to new policies, and our page on car insurance after a divorce or separation explains how.
A simple plan
- Tell your insurer when a partner moves in or starts driving your car.
- Gather each person’s license details, driving record and car information.
- Get quotes for a combined policy and for separate policies.
- Check what discounts you qualify for.
- Start the new policy before ending an old one.
A few minutes of checking can save real money every month. Compare quotes and see whether one policy or two works better for you.
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This page is for general information only and is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Coverage, rules and prices vary by insurer and state.