You might not drive any differently because of your marital status, but your insurance company may not see it that way — and it could cost you.
If you’re single or divorced, you’re likely paying more for car insurance than your married friends — about 8% more on average, according to recent research from The Zebra.
The insurance comparison site analyzed more than 83 million rates across the U.S., including 34,500 ZIP codes. The analysis used a base profile of a single 30-year-old male driver with a clean record behind the wheel of a 2017 Honda Accord.
That profile was then compared to similar profiles where, instead of single, the marital status was married, divorced or widowed.
The results show that married drivers pay an average of $2,101 annually for auto insurance, while single and divorced drivers fork over about $2,297 on average per year — a difference of roughly 8%.
The gap varies significantly by state.
In Missouri, single drivers pay 15% more than married ones. Arkansas isn’t far behind at 13%.
Meanwhile, states like Montana see barely a difference, with single drivers paying 2% more annually on average. And in Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan, insurers aren’t allowed to consider marital status at all when setting rates.
Why the marriage discount?
Insurance companies have long viewed married drivers as lower-risk customers. According to The Zebra’s research, insurers see married people as more financially stable and less likely to file claims compared to their single counterparts.
It’s not about how you actually drive. Your relationship status doesn’t change your reflexes or decision-making behind the wheel.
Instead, insurers rely on historical data showing that married drivers, as a group, tend to file fewer claims. Whether that’s because of lifestyle differences, shared financial responsibilities or other factors, insurers use it as a pricing signal.
Widowed drivers fall somewhere in the middle, paying about 3% more than married drivers but 5% less than single or divorced ones.
What you can do about it
Whether you’re paying the “single penalty” or just looking to trim your premium, here are ways to lower your car insurance costs:
- Shop around regularly. Different insurers weigh marital status differently, and rates can vary significantly between companies. Take some time to compare rates using this tool from FinanceBuzz. In just a few minutes, you’ll see if you’re overpaying and which companies can offer you better rates.
- You can also look at bundling policies. Combining auto insurance with homeowners coverage can unlock discounts that offset higher base rates.
- Ask about usage-based insurance. Many insurers now offer telematics programs that track your actual driving habits — speed, braking, mileage — and reward safe drivers regardless of marital status.
- Raise your deductible. If you can comfortably handle a higher out-of-pocket cost after an accident, increasing your deductible typically lowers your premium.
The insurance industry is gradually moving away from personal factors like marital status toward data-driven pricing based on how you actually drive. Until that shift is complete, knowing where you stand can help you find better rates.
Sources
The Zebra; Consumer Reports
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