What Do You Need to Know About Car Insurance After Marriage?

By the Mercury Team

If you’re recently married or are planning to tie the knot soon, congratulations! While you’re busy planning your future together, there’s one thing you might not have thought about yet: your car insurance. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll explore how your new status impacts your rates, what policy changes you want to consider, and how to ensure you get the best coverage for your new life together.

How Marriage Affects Car Insurance Rates

When it comes to auto insurance for married couples, the big question you’re probably wondering is: Does getting married lower car insurance?

Does Getting Married Lower Car Insurance?

Yes, getting married can actually lower your car insurance rates! When you tie the knot, you can combine your policies into one, leading to lower premiums because insurance companies often see married couples as lower risk than singles. Plus, when you merge your policies, you could qualify for discounts, such as multi-car discounts.

While marriage can help lower car insurance rates, the exact impact can vary depending on your location, driving history, and chosen insurance provider. To get the best rates, shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers after getting married.

Choosing the Right Car Insurance for Married Couples

When you’re married, choosing the right car insurance becomes a bit more involved, but it can also lead to better coverage and potential savings.

Joint vs. Separate Policies

One of the first decisions to make is whether to combine your car insurance into one policy or keep them separate.

• Joint policies: The biggest advantage of a joint policy is the potential for savings. Combining your policies qualifies you for multi-car discounts, which can lower your overall premium. Plus, managing one policy instead of two can make things simpler and more convenient.
• Separate policies: On the other hand, keeping separate policies might be better if one spouse has a less-than-perfect driving record or if your vehicles and coverage needs are very different. Separate policies allow each of you to have the specific coverage you need without impacting the other’s premium.

The right choice depends on your situation, so it’s worth considering both options and even discussing it with your insurance provider to see which offers the most benefits.

Coverage Options

Going over your coverage options together and making any necessary adjustments can ensure you’re both well-protected and give you peace of mind on the road. Here are some things to consider:

• Liability protection: This coverage protects you both in case of an accident where you’re found at fault. If you own assets together, having enough liability coverage is especially important because it helps shield those assets from being at risk in the event of a costly lawsuit or claim.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This protects both of you if you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough insurance or none at all. If you live in an area with a lot of uninsured drivers, this coverage is essential.
• Collision protection: This coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of fault. If you’re driving a newer or more expensive car, collision protection can help cover the costs, which might be higher than your average vehicle.
• Comprehensive protection: This protection covers damage to your vehicle that’s not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting an animal. Comprehensive coverage is particularly valuable if you live in an area prone to severe weather, have concerns about theft, or just want to ensure your vehicle is protected against a wide range of risks.

Updating Auto Insurance for Married Couples

When you get married, updating your auto insurance is a smart move to make sure you’re both fully covered and to take advantage of any new savings. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Take

1. Contact your insurance provider: First, inform your current insurance company about your new marital status. This is your chance to explore potential discounts or adjustments to your policy.
2. Review your coverage needs: Sit down together and review your current coverage. Think about your vehicles, driving habits, and any new assets you want to protect, as this will help you decide if you need to make any changes.
3. Gather necessary documentation: Be ready to provide your marriage certificate, driver’s license, and vehicle information. If you’ve moved in together, you might also need to show proof of address.
4. Compare policy options: It’s a good idea to compare joint versus separate policies to see which one offers the best deal for your situation. Don’t hesitate to get quotes from different insurers to make sure you’re getting the best coverage.
5. Update your policy: Once you’ve decided, work with your insurance provider to update your policy. This could mean combining policies, adjusting coverage, or adding new vehicles.

Adding a Spouse to Your Policy

If you decide to add your spouse to your policy, here’s what you need to do:

1. Contact your insurance company: Reach out to your insurer and let them know you’d like to add your spouse to your policy.
2. Provide necessary information: You’ll need to give your spouse’s driver’s license number, vehicle information, and possibly their driving history. If you’re combining vehicles under one policy, have all the details ready.
3. Review and adjust coverage: While you’re adding your spouse, take a moment to review your coverage. This is a great time to make sure you have the right protections and to see if you qualify for any discounts as a married couple.
4. Finalize the update: Once everything is in place, your insurer will update your policy to include your spouse. Be sure to get a copy of the updated policy for your records.

Maximizing Savings on Car Insurance After Marriage

Marriage can bring more than just joy — it can also bring opportunities to save on your car insurance. Here’s how to make the most of those savings:

Discounts and savings opportunities

When you get married, there are several potential discounts you might be eligible for:

• Multi-car discount: If you and your spouse have separate vehicles, combining them under one policy can qualify you for a multi-car discount.
• Bundling discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle your car insurance with other policies, like home or renters insurance.
• Good driver discounts: You could qualify for a safe driver discount if both you and your spouse have clean driving records.
• Anti-theft feature discount: You may qualify for a discount if your vehicles are equipped with anti-theft devices,
• Pay-in-full discount: If you can afford to pay your annual premium in full, many insurers will offer a discount.

Conclusion

Getting married is an exciting new chapter in your life, and it also opens up opportunities to secure cheap auto insurance. However, every couple’s situation is different, so make sure to openly communicate with your spouse about your insurance needs and preferences.

If you need help figuring out what’s best for you and your partner, Mercury is here to assist you. We offer various coverage options and discounts to help you both save on insurance without compromising quality.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!