How Relationships Can Affect Your Car Insurance Rates

Believe it or not, your relationship status can often have an affect on the cost of your car insurance. While this may seem silly, there are reasons that your relationship may change the cost of your car insurance. It all has to do with the level of risk you present in the eyes of your insurer.

Does Insurance Go Up When You Get Married? 

When you get married, many things will change—including your insurance. The way your insurance changes depends on certain factors. Most married couples may see a drop in their car insurance rates, as many insurers see married couples as less risky to insure. Bundling vehicles and coverages as a married couple can also qualify you for discounts and other ways to save money.

In the same way, getting divorced can also cause you to pay more. Drivers who are recently divorced or widowed may see a rise in their car insurance rates. Keep in mind that these aren’t large factors, however, so the influence on your car insurance rates should be minimal.

Does Car Insurance Change If You’re Dating Someone? 

Your car insurance rates won’t generally change if you simply start a relationship with someone. They can change, however, if your partner moves in with you and/or borrows your vehicle. Anyone under your roof can be considered as a factor that influences your risk. If your new partner has a good record, you could actually see a drop in your rates. However, if your partner moves in with you and they have a poor driving record, you could see a rise in your insurance rates. 

In fact, some insurers may declare others in your household as excluded drivers.

What is an Excluded Driver? 

An excluded driver is someone listed on your policy who is not allowed to operate your vehicle. If they are given permission by you to operate the vehicle, then they will not be covered under your insurance. Insurers do this to minimize their risk in case you allow someone else in your household to operate your vehicle. Excluded drivers are typically high-risk drivers, such as those with a poor driving record or low credit.

On the other hand, if someone moves out of your household, you could see a change in your rates as well.

Keep in mind that adding anyone to your car insurance policy may change your rates.