Home and Auto Insurance for Unmarried Couples

It's becoming more common for insurance companies to offer policies for unmarried couples at similar rates as for married couples. Finding coverage for your home or vehicle shouldn't be difficult, either. However, there may be a few details to keep in mind while shopping for coverage as an unmarried couple. 

Fortunately, an independent insurance agent can also help you find all the insurance you need. They'll get you matched to the right policies for your home, vehicles, and anything else. But first, here's an overview of finding homeowners insurance and auto insurance as an unmarried couple.

Finding Home Insurance As an Unmarried Couple

While in the past, unmarried couples who lived together had a harder time finding homeowners insurance than married couples did, this is no longer the case. In fact, you can now find home insurance as an unmarried couple at a similar premium rate to policies for married couples. In the case of unmarried couples and home insurance, the thing to keep in mind is if one partner is the sole homeowner.

The Importance of Naming Each Insured Individual on Home Insurance

If one person is technically the sole owner of the home and the one listed on the home insurance policy, their partner's belongings might not be covered automatically. You might need to list both people on the insurance policy to ensure all belongings in the home will be covered. 

Most standard home insurance policies restrict coverage to a “named insured" or the individual(s) named on the policy and their resident spouse. The same standard policies often extend coverage to “resident relatives,” including:

• Individuals related to the named insured by blood
• Individuals related to the named insured by marriage
• Individuals related to the named insured by adoption
• Someone under 21 years old in your care, such as a foster child

However, that applies if any of these people are residents of the named insured’s household. This means that a home insurance company has no obligation to cover a non-insured’s liability or to defend that person in a lawsuit alleging liability. Check with your specific insurance company to be sure of whether each partner in an unmarried couple must be listed on the policy to be covered.

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Finding Car Insurance As an Unmarried Couple

If you live together with a partner and are unmarried, you should still be able to add both people to a car insurance policy through most insurers. Often, a significant other is also allowed to list their vehicle on a joint car insurance policy as long as both partners keep their vehicles at the same permanent residence. 

So, unmarried couples have options when it comes to car insurance. They can either share a joint car insurance policy in both of their names or add their partner as a listed driver on both of their separate policies. 

While having a joint policy works best for some couples, it's not the ideal choice for others. Having a single policy can often be cheaper. Discuss your concerns about sharing a policy with an independent insurance agent to determine if you'd prefer to get a joint auto policy or list each significant other on separate policies.

Pros of Sharing an Auto Policy As an Unmarried Couple

There are a few reasons why many unmarried couples choose to share an auto insurance policy. Consider the following potential pros when making your decision:

• Cost: In many cases, sharing a car insurance policy can lead to lower premiums than purchasing two separate policies.
• Discount options: If you add multiple vehicles to one car insurance policy, you can often qualify for a multi-car discount through many insurers.
• Convenience: If all vehicles used by an unmarried couple are listed on one car insurance policy, this can keep things simple if it ever comes time to file a claim.

These reasons and others may convince you and your significant other to share an auto insurance policy. You can also ask your independent insurance agent for advice.

Cons of Sharing an Auto Policy As an Unmarried Couple

On the other hand, there are a few possible drawbacks to sharing an auto insurance policy as an unmarried couple. Take these potential cons into consideration before making your decision:

• Cost: Though many unmarried couples can save money by getting a joint policy, the opposite can also be true. You might end up paying significantly more for joint auto insurance if, for example, your partner has a poor driving record or credit score, and you list them on your policy.
• Availability: As previously stated, joint auto insurance for unmarried couples isn't available from every carrier. You'll have to ask to be certain of whether this is an option when shopping for coverage.

An independent insurance agent can help you weigh the possible pros and cons of sharing an auto insurance policy as an unmarried couple before you decide which choice is best for you and your partner.

Do You Have to Add Your Partner to Your Auto Insurance Policy?

The answer to this question is that it depends on the insurance company. In most cases, however, the insurance company wants to be told upfront about all licensed drivers within a household that will use the vehicle. 

For drivers in the household who use your vehicle regularly, many insurers require you to list them on your policy. Ask your independent insurance agent or your specific insurance company to be certain of whether it's required that you list your partner on your policy.

What Happens If a Couple Gets Married or Breaks Up?

If an unmarried couple decides to get married, they'll likely be required to share a car insurance policy with their spouse afterward. In this case, if you previously used separate auto insurance policies, your insurer may no longer allow this. You'd have to cancel one or both policies and get a joint auto insurance policy.

In the case of a breakup, each former partner would have to get their own coverage once they no longer lived together or shared vehicles. It's critical to get your own auto policy ASAP to avoid state penalties for being an uninsured driver.

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An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find Home or Auto Insurance As an Unmarried Couple

Finding auto insurance or home insurance as an unmarried couple doesn't have to be difficult, especially when you enlist the help of an independent insurance agent. Independent insurance agents shop and compare policies from multiple carriers who offer coverage in your area. They know which insurers offer policies for unmarried couples, and they'll help you find the best overall blend of coverage and cost.