Why are insurance rates higher for singles versus married couples?

Car insurance for a single person versus a married person is often higher by as much as 10%. Why do single individuals have to pay more for the same coverage? Can anything be done to lower a single driver’s car insurance rate? 

Read on to find out more about why car insurance for a single person is more costly. If you’re in need of affordable car insurance, just enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool above to browse multiple quotes. 

Why are car insurance rates lower if you’re married?

The majority of people get married when they are 25 or older, and at that age, they are deemed less risky so insurance rates go down. Married adults tend to be viewed as more responsible as most settle down and start a family. 

To determine insurance rates, insurance companies use a scale that weighs risk factors and will consider the driver’s age. Data show that drivers under the age of 25 are more likely to have accidents due to inexperience. To read more about car insurance for drivers under 25, consider our article here.

Married people can also get bundling discounts on insurance rates for insuring two vehicles at once. 

Why are auto insurance rates higher if you’re single?

Here are a couple of reasons why car insurance can be higher for a single person versus someone who is married.

Roommates

It is common for single adults to live with a roommate, and this is another red flag for car insurance companies. 

Living with a roommate could mean they will borrow your car and be less responsible than if it was their own vehicle. This can result in more claims than married people and is a contributing factor to why car insurance for a single person is more expensive.

Riskier Vehicles

Married people are often parents and tend to choose safer cars like mini-vans, station wagons, or sedans. Single people often choose vehicles that are smaller and faster. 

Teen drivers aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than those over 20 years old and are also more likely to be involved in speed-related crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because single people may choose smaller and faster vehicles, they can end up with higher premiums simply because the car is classified as high-risk.

How to Reduce Car Insurance Rates as a Single Person

If you are a single person and don’t want to be stuck over-paying for premiums, there are a few things you can do to minimize your costs.

Research First

Before you purchase a vehicle, consult with your insurance company to find out which vehicles are classified as risky and which are considered safe. Choosing a “safe” vehicle by your insurance company’s standards can lower your insurance rates. 

Drive Safely

Drive safely and defensively in an effort to keep your driving record clean. Accidents can happen to the best of drivers, but do anything you can do to minimize your chances of a fender-bender or damage to your vehicle. 

Your rates can be lowered if you maintain a good driving record. Several at-fault incidents will increase your premiums, and driving records are kept for several years.

Be Wary of Roommates

There are times when you may need a roommate for financial reasons, and that’s understandable. But it’s a good idea to look into your future roommates driving record before you decide to move in together. If you live with someone with a bad driving record and let them borrow your car, it could end up costing you in more ways than one. Choose wisely.

Bottom Line on Car Insurance Rates as a Single vs. Married Person

Car insurance for a single person is often higher due to other factors associated with groups of single people, like teenagers and young adults. In most cases, the premium is based on the driver’s age and vehicle choice rather than actual marital status. To read about the difference between the cost of auto insurance for a single individual vs. a married person, consider our article here.

It just so happens that married people tend to be older and more responsible and have a tendency to choose safer vehicles. If you are a single driver living on your own with a clean driving record and a safe vehicle, you may still benefit from lower insurance rates even though you aren’t married.

If you’re in need of affordable auto insurance and you want to search now, feel free to enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below.