Joint Car Insurance for Married & Unmarried Couples

A joint car insurance policy is a cost-effective way to get coverage. It’s an excellent choice in some situations, like when your carrier requires it or if it qualifies you for discounts. However, it might not be necessary if you and your partner don’t live together or don’t often drive each other’s vehicles.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Edited by Amy Wilder

Updated: May 20, 2024

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Couples can opt to purchase a joint car insurance policy, whether they’re married or not. Usually, a joint policy is best suited for those who live together or frequently drive each other’s vehicles.

However, you also have the option to have separate coverages and add a driver to your existing car insurance plan. You can use MoneyGeek’s car insurance tool to determine whether a joint policy is cost-effective.

Our guide explores when combining insurance is a good idea, when it’s not and what to do if you have a joint policy but you and your partner go your separate ways.

Unmarried Joint Car Insurance
When Not to Add a Partner
Married Joint Car Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Consider several factors before adding your partner to your car insurance policy, even if you already live together. These may include his driving record, credit score or car.

A joint car insurance policy is usually more affordable than paying for separate plans for married couples.

You can always apply for a new car insurance policy if you and your partner break up and you’re taken off the policy.

Can You Have Joint Insurance With a Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Fiance?

Couples can purchase joint car insurance even if they are unmarried. However, most car insurance companies require that they must be living together to do so. Combining insurance policies may not be an option if you don't.

Permissive use is typically enough for couples living in separate houses. It ensures your policy protects your partner when they drive your car.

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Permissive use applies when you permit a person to drive your car, like when you lend it to your partner. Your policy's coverage extends to them if they get into an accident, even if you didn't name them in your car insurance plan.

When to Add Your Girlfriend or Boyfriend to Your Policy

Insurers only require you and your partner to have the same residential address to add them to your policy. The table below shows other situations when combining insurance may be the best option for you besides living together.

1
You Live Together
Adding your partner to your policy when you live together is the safest choice. Some carriers might deny an insurance claim if you didn't name them in your car insurance plan.
2
Your Car Insurance Company Requires It
People living with you become part of your household. Some car insurance companies require you to add members of your household that have access to your car. So if you and your partner live under the same roof, you must put their name on your plan.
3
You Use Each Other’s Car Often
Some couples frequently use each other's cars, but this doesn't automatically fall under permissive use. In these situations, adding your partner to your policy is safer. Otherwise, your carrier might deny your claim if your partner was uninsured and in an accident.

When Not to Add Your Girlfriend or Boyfriend to Your Policy

Typically, you can only add your partner if you live under the same roof. But even if you live together, joint car insurance shouldn't be a given. You may want to consider other factors to decide if it's the best move.

For example, you may want to reconsider if your partner has a bad driving record. The same applies if they have a poor credit score or own an expensive car. All these may result in a higher annual premium.

Your Partner Has a Bad Driving Record

Drivers with violations on their driving record typically pay higher car insurance premiums than safe drivers. Finding affordable full-coverage car insurance may be challenging if your partner has tickets, at-fault accidents or a DUI.

Your Partner Has a Poor Credit Score

Your credit score determines your risk level. Insurers think you're more likely to pay your premium on time and less likely to file claims if you have good credit standing. Expect your policy to cost more if your partner has a bad credit score.

You Don’t Live Together or Use Each Other's Cars Often

Couples that live separately might not need to combine car insurance, especially if they rarely use each other's cars. Typically, permissive use is enough to protect your partner when they’re behind the wheel.

They Have an Expensive Car

Several factors make car insurance expensive, and the car you drive is one of them. If your partner has a luxury or a sports car, adding them to your policy may increase your insurance costs.

How to Add Your Partner to Your Auto Insurance

First, contact your provider to add your partner to your policy. Ask about the process and the requirements because these may vary between carriers. Provide your partner's information and wait for the insurer to approve your application and update your policy.

Joint Car Insurance for Married Couples

If you're married, insurers may see you as more financially stable and risk-averse. As a result, you're more likely to get affordable rates.

Remember, you and your spouse don't necessarily have to have joint car insurance. However, it often makes sense because it can be the most affordable option. You'll likely combine your policies, especially when you live together.

Even if your spouse has poor credit standing or violations on their driving record, combining car insurance often comes out cheaper than maintaining separate policies.

What to Do With Joint Car Insurance After a Break-Up

You may wonder what happens to joint car insurance if you and your partner decide to part ways. First, see who ends up with the car post-breakup. If it's you, inform your provider that your partner is no longer a driver, and your policy shouldn't cover them in the future.

If your partner gets the car and takes you off the policy, don't worry — you can always sign up for a new one. However, you may not qualify for the same discounts you had under a joint policy. It's best to contact your carrier and get an estimate. This way, a higher premium won't surprise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about car insurance for couples. These can help you decide if it's your best option.

Can you share insurance without getting married?

Yes, you can. Unmarried couples can choose to combine car insurance if they live together. It’s also an excellent option if you drive each other’s cars frequently.

When should I not add my boyfriend or girlfriend to my policy?

A bad driving record, an expensive car or a poor credit score are some reasons you should possibly not add your partner to your car insurance policy. The same applies if you rarely use each other's car or don't live together.

When should I add my boyfriend or girlfriend to my policy?

Living with your partner is an excellent reason to add them to your car insurance policy — especially if you often drive each other's cars. Some car insurance companies require it because sharing the same roof makes your partner part of your household.

What happens if we break up?

You can apply for a new car insurance policy if your partner takes you off the one you shared. You can check for available discounts to help lower your premium.

However, if you keep the car, call to inform your insurer that your policy should no longer cover your former partner.

Is it cheaper to share car insurance?

A joint car insurance policy is usually cheaper for married couples than maintaining separate policies. However, if you aren't married yet, compare estimates first. Factors like your partner's credit score or driving history may result in a more expensive rate.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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