Car Insurance for Single vs Married Drivers: Who Pays More and Why?

In February 2025, The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) urged the Oregon House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee to stop using marital status in addition to other factors in determining car insurance rates. ^[1] Oregon is not the only state to look at whether or not you’re married either – most states do. In fact, single people pay up to 34% more than married drivers. ^[2] Here’s everything you need to know about car insurance rates for single vs. married drivers.

On This Page

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  Why Is Being Single Considered a Risk by Insurers?

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  Can Being Married Work Against You With Car Insurance?

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  Which Other Factors Do Insurance Companies Use To Rate Drivers?

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  Which States Ban Using Marital Status in Car Insurance Rate Determination?

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  What Can I Do To Lower My Car Insurance Rate?

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  Car Insurance: Single vs Married FAQs

Why Is Being Single Considered a Risk by Insurers?

There is a perceived higher risk of being a single driver because married people tend to shoulder more responsibilities, which often includes children. Data compiled over the years also suggests that single people are involved in more accidents, especially younger drivers, and they file more insurance claims.

Multi-policy Discounts and Bundles for Single vs Married Policyholders

Usually a household with more than one car involves married couples who then qualify for a multi-policy discount if they buy policies from the same insurer.

A married couple can also be eligible for both a bundle discount and a multi-policy discount if they have multiple car policies and a home policy with the same insurance company.;

More married couples have life insurance policies, to protect children, so they qualify for yet another bundle discount if they buy life insurance from the same company.

Not all renters buy renters insurance – but they should and they’d qualify for a discount for bundling a car and renters insurance policy. While life insurance is less of a priority with single people, a policy may prove to have cash, long-term care and retirement benefits down the line. It would cost less if purchased from the same insurer who covers a car and home.

Credit Scores for Single vs Married Drivers

Not all states use credit scores but when they do, married drivers tend to fare better. Married people tend to have higher credit scores, and insurers over the years have found a direct relationship between high credit scores and fewer claims. People with low credit scores file more claims and are considered higher risk.

Can Being Married Work Against You With Car Insurance?

Even if you decide not to share policies, most insurance companies will include household members, including a spouse, on your car insurance policy. This may work against you if that spouse has a low credit score, has filed insurance claims or has a driving history with accidents and/or DUIs.

You can exclude your spouse from your policy so they don’t increase your insurance rating, but if they borrow your car and have an accident, they will not be covered as an excluded driver, not even with their own car insurance

Which Other Factors Do Insurance Companies Use To Rate Drivers?

In addition to marital status, credit score and driving record, commonly used factors to determine car insurance rates include:

• Location (garaging address; street parking versus gated parking)

• Age

• Gender

• Car Value

• Car Safety

• Mileage

• Insurance Claims Filed

• Lapses in Coverage

• The Amount and Limits of Coverage

Which States Ban Using Marital Status in Car Insurance Rate Determination?

There are full bans and partial bans on using marital status for insurance rating purposes, but only in some states ^[3].

States with a full ban are:

• Hawaii

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Pennsylvania

States with a partial ban are:

• Maryland (does not apply to widowers)

• New Jersey (does not apply to widowers)

• Delaware (does not allow the use of credit scores based on marital status)

What Can I Do To Lower My Car Insurance Rate?

It’s not a good idea to get married for better car insurance rates but marriage will lower your rate. Here are some other ways to lower your monthly premiums:

1. Increase the deductible on collision and comprehensive coverages.

2. Pay bills on time and lower debt so as to increase your credit score.

3. Move to a safer neighborhood or park in a secure garage rather than street parking.

4. Drive safely to avoid points on a license, expensive accidents and filing claims.

5. Ask about available discounts

6. Compare insurance rates every six months to see who will offer you the best rate. Do so in the prompt below. It’s free, no credit card down.