Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Don’t Require Spouses To Be on the Same Policy in 2024 (Top 10 Providers)
Compare best car insurance companies that don't require spouses to be on the same policy with State Farm, USAA, and Progressive. Discover customized coverage and competitive rates as you delve into how these leading providers are transforming car insurance savings.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Feb 13, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 13, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Company Facts
Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Compare best car insurance companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy, like State Farm, USAA, and Progressive. State Farm focuses on neighborhood coverage, USAA serves military members, and Progressive provides innovative solutions. Compare rates and factors to find your ideal fit among the leading providers.
Married couples are not required to have joint insurance policies to own a car. However, if you and your spouse have good driving records, you may qualify for several discounts, and it may benefit you to share a policy together to bundle multiple cars and other insurance policies.
Company | Rank | See Pros/Cons | Maximum Multi-Policy Discount | Maximum Low-Mileage Discount | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | State Farm | Up to 17% | Up to 5% | Many Discounts | |
#2 | USAA | Up to 15% | Up to 20% | Military Savings | |
#3 | Progressive | Up to 10% | Up to 30% | Online Convenience | |
#4 | Allstate | Up to 25% | Up to 35% | Add-on Coverages | |
#5 | Nationwide | Up to 20% | Up to 30% | Usage Discount | |
#6 | Farmers | Up to 10% | Up to 25% | Local Agents | |
#7 | Liberty Mutual | Up to 30% | Up to 25% | Customizable Polices | |
#8 | Travelers | Up to 8% | Up to 15% | Accident Forgiveness | |
#9 | American Family | Up to 20% | Up to 5% | Student Savings | |
#10 | Erie | Up to 16% | Up to 5% | 24/7 Support |
Insurance companies will typically charge you lower rates as a married couple. Still, if your spouse has a poor driving history, your insurance rates will be affected. They could increase due to them being included in your policy.
Many insurers will require you to add your spouse to your policy if you’re both living in the same household (unless your state gives you the option to exclude your spouse). But there are a select few that do not have this requirement.
Keep reading to learn more about car insurance rates from car insurance companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy. Enter your ZIP code now to compare free quotes from companies in your area today.
#1 – State Farm: Neighborhood Coverage and Nationwide Trust
USAA stands out as the top choice for spouses seeking precision, excellence, and exclusive discounts in car insurance, especially for military families.
Brad Larson Licensed Insurance Agent
Pros
- Extensive network: State Farm boasts a vast network of agents and offices, providing personalized and accessible customer service.
- Diverse coverage options: Offers a wide range of insurance products beyond auto, allowing customers to bundle policies for potential discounts.
- Excellent financial strength: Recognized for its financial stability, instilling confidence in customers regarding claims payout reliability.
Cons
- Potentially higher rates: While offering comprehensive coverage, State Farm’s rates may be comparatively higher for some individuals.
- Limited online presence: The online experience may not be as streamlined as with some competitors, impacting convenience for tech-savvy customers.
Read more: State Farm Car Insurance Review
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
#2 – USAA: Military Precision and Insurance Excellence
Pros
- Exclusive membership benefits: USAA provides specialized services to military members and their families, including discounted rates and tailored coverage.
- Top-rated customer service: Consistently receives high marks for exceptional customer service and claims satisfaction.
- Financial stability: Known for its strong financial standing, assuring policyholders of the company’s ability to meet obligations.
Cons
- Membership restrictions: Limited eligibility to military personnel and their families, excluding a broader customer base.
- Product limitations: USAA primarily focuses on serving military members, offering a more restricted range of insurance products.
Read more: USAA Car Insurance Review
#3 – Progressive: Innovative Solutions and Driving Insurance Forward
Pros
- Competitive rates: Progressive is often praised for its competitive pricing and discounts, appealing to cost-conscious customers.
- Innovative tools: Offers user-friendly online tools and a mobile app for policy management, claims filing, and rate comparisons.
- Wide range of discounts: Progressive provides an array of discounts, allowing customers to save through safe driving habits and other qualifying factors.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: Some customers express dissatisfaction with Progressive’s claims handling and customer support.
- Limited agent availability: For those who prefer in-person interactions, Progressive’s agent network may not be as extensive as some competitors.
Read more: Progressive Car Insurance Review
#4 – Allstate: Protection Beyond Policies and Your Good Hands Ally
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage options: Allstate offers a variety of coverage options, including innovative features like accident forgiveness and new car replacement.
- User-friendly technology: Embraces technology with tools like the Drivewise app, rewarding safe driving behaviors with potential discounts.
- Nationwide presence: With a broad network of agents and offices, Allstate provides accessibility and localized service to customers across the country.
Cons
- Premium costs: Allstate’s premiums may be on the higher side compared to some competitors, potentially impacting budget-conscious customers.
- Mixed customer reviews: Customer satisfaction reviews vary, with some expressing dissatisfaction with claims processing and rates.
Read more:
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
#5 – Nationwide: Everywhere You Are and Insurance for Life’s Journeys
Pros
- Multi-policy discounts: Nationwide encourages bundling insurance policies, providing discounts for customers who combine auto, home, and other coverages.
- Vanishing deductible option: Offers a unique vanishing deductible program, allowing safe drivers to reduce their deductible over time.
- Strong financial stability: Nationwide’s financial strength contributes to customer confidence in the company’s ability to meet obligations.
Cons
- Average customer service ratings: Customer service reviews are generally average, with some customers reporting less-than-ideal experiences.
- Limited standalone offerings: Nationwide’s primary focus is on bundled policies, potentially limiting choices for customers seeking standalone auto coverage.
#6 – Farmers: Cultivating Coverage and Tailored for You
Pros
- Customizable policies: Farmers provides a range of coverage options, allowing customers to tailor policies to their specific needs.
- Accessible agents: With a widespread network of agents, Farmers offers personalized service and assistance.
- Affinity discounts: Farmers offer various affinity discounts, such as those for specific occupations or memberships.
Cons
- Rate competitiveness: Some customers find Farmers’ rates to be relatively higher compared to other insurers.
- Mixed customer reviews: While some customers praise Farmers’ service, others express dissatisfaction with claims processing and communication.
Read more: Farmers Car Insurance Review
#7 – Liberty Mutual: Freedom to Protect and Insurance With Liberty
Pros
- Wide range of coverages: Liberty Mutual offers an extensive selection of coverage options, allowing customers to build comprehensive policies.
- Online tools and resources: Provides a user-friendly online platform with tools like the HomeGallery app for home inventories.
- New car replacement: Offers a new car replacement feature, replacing totaled cars with the latest models if they meet specific criteria.
Cons
- Price competitiveness: Some customers find Liberty Mutual’s premiums to be relatively higher, impacting overall affordability.
- Customer service reviews: Reviews on customer service are mixed, with some customers reporting delays and communication issues.
Read more: Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Review
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
#8 – Travelers: Journey Safely and Insure Confidently
Pros
- Multi-policy discounts: Encourages customers to bundle policies, providing opportunities for cost savings.
- Claim satisfaction: Travelers has received positive feedback for its claims handling and customer satisfaction in that regard.
- Intellidrive program: Offers the Intellidrive program, allowing safe drivers to earn discounts based on their driving habits.
Cons
- Limited discounts for auto-only policies: Travelers’ auto insurance discounts may be more extensive for customers with bundled policies.
- Premium costs: Some customers find Travelers’ premiums to be relatively higher for standalone auto coverage.
Read more: Travelers Car Insurance Review
#9 – American Family: Guardians of Dreams and Your Family’s Safety Net
Pros
- Variety of discounts: American Family offers a range of discounts, including those for bundling, good driving, and safety features.
- Local agents: With a network of local agents, American Family provides personalized service and support.
- Emergency roadside assistance: Offers optional roadside assistance coverage for added peace of mind.
Cons
- Limited regional availability: American Family operates primarily in specific regions, limiting availability for customers in other areas.
- Mixed customer service reviews: While some customers praise the service, others express concerns about claims handling and communication.
Read more: American Family Car Insurance Review
#10 – Erie: Steadfast Protection
Pros
- Rate lock feature: Erie’s Rate Lock feature allows customers to lock in their auto insurance rates, providing stability.
- High customer satisfaction: Erie consistently receives high ratings for customer satisfaction and claims handling.
- Add-on coverages: Offers a variety of additional coverages, such as pet coverage and locksmith services.
Cons
- Limited availability: Erie operates in a limited number of states, restricting access for customers outside those areas.
- Online presence: The online quote process and digital tools may not be as advanced as those of larger insurers.
Read more: Erie Car Insurance Review
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What are companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy?
Understanding the cost implications of car insurance is essential when comparing companies that don’t require spouses to share policies. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the average monthly rates for both minimum and full coverage from the leading insurers in this category.
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $74 | $150 |
USAA | $59 | $142 |
Progressive | $86 | $168 |
Allstate | $99 | $179 |
Nationwide | $68 | $203 |
Farmers | $96 | $235 |
Liberty Mutual | $82 | $250 |
Travelers | $74 | $208 |
American Family | $71 | $209 |
Erie | $58 | $189 |
When considering insurance companies that allow spouses to maintain separate policies, it’s crucial to examine the average monthly rates for various coverage levels. State Farm offers competitive rates, starting at $74 for minimum coverage and $150 for full coverage. USAA demonstrates affordability with $59 for minimum and $142 for full coverage.
Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, American Family, and Erie also present their respective rates, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the cost associated with different coverage options. Utilize this information to make an informed decision based on your specific coverage needs and budget.
In some states — New York, Kansas, Michigan, Virginia, and Wisconsin — excluding a driver is not allowed. This is because car insurers in those states will not sell you a policy unless you include every person you live with (of driving age) on your policy.
It is best to check state laws if you plan to move to another state or simply need a better policy in the state you’re currently residing in.
But there are a few affordable car insurance companies don’t require spouses to be on the same policy.
Read More:
- Can married couples have separate car insurance policies?
- Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Allow Spouse Exclusions
- Does car insurance cover excluded drivers?
USAA Car Insurance
USAA does not require all licensed drivers to be listed on your car insurance policy, but they strongly recommend it. Because your car insurance covers people who use your vehicle with your permission, they would receive coverage in the event of an accident.
However, it is not always beneficial to have your spouse listed on your policy.
USAA states that these are some of the reasons why your insurances rates might increase as a result of adding your spouse onto your policy:
What Affects Your Rates | How It Affects Your Rates |
---|---|
Spouse has a bad driving record | Keeping them off your car insurance policy would ensure you are not financially penalized for their driving mistakes |
Spouse has a low credit score | Insurance companies in most states use credit score as a determining factor when setting rates; like a poor driving record, a low credit score can impact your rates significantly |
Spouse drives an expensive sports car | Insurance companies will often soften the risk of covering an expensive or luxury car by charging high premiums |
Spouse has a longer commute | Work commutes will often result in higher rates because there is a higher risk of an accident while traveling longer distances |
In these cases, excluding a spouse from your car insurance will typically result in lower deductibles and more cost-effective rates, especially if they have poor driving habits.
USAA also offers Named Driver Exclusions under their comprehensive car insurance policies.
This will:
- Prevent specific drivers on your policy from being covered by collision and/or comprehensive coverage on one particular automobile
- This can lower your rates, but if the excluded driver operates the automobile and is involved in a car accident, you are not insured for collision and/or comprehensive coverage; which means you could be held personally responsible
If you choose USAA’s standard policy, Named Driver Exclusion will be available under the comprehensive and collision coverage. However, if you select the basic policy (liability), these coverage options are not available.
Suppose you do choose to stick with liability. In that case, there are a few options available in the event of an accident involving your spouse:
Liability covers: | Options That Cost Less And Cover Less | What Most Drivers Most Often Choose | Options that Cost More And Cover More |
---|---|---|---|
Bodily Injury and Property Damage | $15,000 per person; $30,000 per accident OR $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident OR $50,000 per person; $100,000 per accident | $100,000 per person; $300,000 per accident | $500,000 per person; $500,000 per accident |
These will also be determined state to state when you buy car insurance from car insurance companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy.
Travelers Car Insurance
Most Travelers car insurance policies provide basic coverage in these situations. If someone drives your car with your permission (whether by verbally telling them or handing them the keys), they will usually be covered under the terms of your policy.
Drivers who are not on your policy might also be covered in the following situations:
- When extended family members visit you or stay with you at your home
- When sharing the driving responsibility on a road trip or a long drive
- When friends and family members borrow your car when theirs is being repaired
There are also a few scenarios in specific drivers or activities that will not be covered by your policy:
- Paid Car-Sharing: such as renting out your car to a car-sharing company (taxis services or professional businesses that involve transportation); there are other policies available with Travelers for these situations
- Excluded Drivers: in some states, excluded drivers may have a minimal amount of coverage, though this (and the exact type of coverage provided) will depend on where you live
- Commercial Activities: this can include using the vehicle to deliver pizzas, driving for a transportation network company that offers car rides or ride-sharing, or operating some sort of delivery or concierge service
You will likely need a separate insurance policy or supplement to carry insurance for any of these types of activities.
Farmers Car Insurance
With Farmers car insurance, they allow excluded drivers and have a prevision called permissive use. This provision covers any person, including your spouse, under your policy while using your insured car with your permission.
It is an added feature available when purchasing collision coverage from Farmers; however, you will need to make sure that it is included and active before letting anyone borrow your vehicle.
Under permissive use, the borrower or spouse is covered the same way as you, with minor limitations. Collision coverage is also a requirement with permissive use, so if you don’t have it, the damage to your car will not be covered.
In some cases, only bodily injury and property damage liability will be covered in certain situations. So it is best if you plan on lending your car to your spouse for a short time, that they have car insurance if the damages exceed the covered costs.
If your spouse does not have insurance, your policy limits could be exhausted in the event of a serious accident. When this happens, you will be held responsible for any amount that your policy doesn’t cover.
Permissive use is only intended for occasional, short-term borrowing, so if your spouse is driving your car regularly, they will need to be added to your policy.
Do married couples have to be on the same car insurance policy?
The short answer is technically yes, in most cases.
Most major insurance companies do require that all licensed drivers need to be listed on your car insurance policy. This is for the simple fact that if a family member or spouse needs to borrow your car and winds up in an accident, they are covered under your policy.
Since most spouses will have immediate access to your vehicle, most companies will require them to be listed.
A few situations in which married couples may choose to have separate insurance policies, such as one spouse having poor credit or a history with traffic violations and a bad driving record.
In these instances, it might be best to find options that support separate spousal policies.
Can unmarried couples be on the same car insurance?
As long as both parties are licensed drivers, yes. Most car insurance companies require all licensed drivers in the same household to be registered as authorized drivers. This is if someone gets into an accident in your vehicle, they are covered. (For more information, read our “Can car insurance companies require information about the people who live with you?“)
According to Experian, if your spouse or partner has a fairly decent credit score, driving record and works within small radium from where you live, you won’t see a drastic increase in your rates if you decide to add them to your policy.
Most of the time, it is beneficial too. For instance, comparing joint ownership car insurance options after marriage and selecting joint coverage for married couples can result in deeper discounts and lower rates. When you take the time to compare joint ownership car insurance, you can explore various plans tailored to the unique needs of couples. (For more information, read our “Compare Unmarried Joint Ownership Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements“).
This comparison allows you to weigh the coverage benefits, deductibles, and overall costs associated with joint policies, enabling you to make an informed decision that maximizes your savings while ensuring comprehensive protection for both spouses.
Insurance companies consider married couples a lower risk to insure than those that are single. While that may seem like an outdated stereotype, car insurance companies have drastically different rates for both married and single consumers.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Do car insurance companies ask for proof of marriage?
Not in every case, but some companies will have you fill out a formal document stating you would like your spouse to be added officially to your insurance policy.
If your car insurance company does need you to provide proof of marriage, a simple photocopy of your marriage license is all you need to prove marital status.
Case Study 1: State Farm- Neighborhood Protection
Meet Mark and Emily, a married couple with stellar credit scores and a spotless driving record. Living in a tight-knit community, they turn to State Farm for their car insurance needs. State Farm’s neighborhood-centric coverage aligns perfectly with their desire for personalized protection.
With rates tailored to individual profiles, Mark and Emily enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing their coverage reflects their unique circumstances, showcasing State Farm’s commitment to providing tailored solutions for each spouse.
Case Study 1: USAA- Military Precision for Dual Coverage
Enter Chris and Alex, a military couple seeking precision and excellence in insurance. With USAA’s specialized focus on serving the military community, Chris and Alex find that USAA caters to their specific needs.
The couple benefits from lower rates and exclusive discounts, illustrating how USAA’s commitment to military members translates into financial advantages for spouses. This scenario highlights USAA’s dedication to providing top-notch coverage for military families.
Case Study 1: Progressive- Innovations for Diverse Needs
Imagine Sarah and James, a couple with diverse preferences and a penchant for innovation. Turning to Progressive, they discover a company that embraces forward-thinking solutions. Progressive’s innovative approach to insurance allows Sarah and James to customize their coverage, ensuring it meets their unique requirements.
From personalized discounts to flexible policy options, this scenario showcases how Progressive adapts to the evolving needs of spouses, driving insurance forward in a dynamic and individualized manner.
Car Insurance Companies That Don’t Require Spouses To Be on the Same Policy: Key Takeaways
Car insurance rates from car insurance companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy will differ from state to state. Therefore, it is always best to check to ensure that your state does not require your spouse to be listed on your policy.
While it is always best to have complete coverage if your spouse needs to borrow your vehicle, it might not always be financially plausible.
With some critical factors like a poor driving record, poor credit score, or a severe traffic violation influencing your policy’s rates, it might be in your best interest to keep you and your spouse’s policies separate.
USAA, Travelers, and Farmers are all great companies that provide plenty of options when it comes to making sure that you and your spouse are covered in the event of an accident, even with being an unlisted driver on your policy.
Now that you know more about car insurance companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy enter your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool to compare companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there car insurance companies that don’t require spouses to be on the same policy?
Yes, there are car insurance companies that allow spouses to have separate policies. These companies recognize that some married couples may choose to have individual insurance coverage for various reasons.
What are the benefits of having separate car insurance policies for spouses?
Having separate car insurance policies for spouses can offer certain advantages, such as:
- Flexibility: Each spouse can choose the coverage options, deductibles, and limits that best suit their individual needs.
- Individual driving history: If one spouse has a poor driving record or previous accidents, it won’t affect the other spouse’s insurance rates.
- No shared liability: In case of an accident, each spouse’s policy will cover their own damages and liability, reducing the risk of affecting the other spouse’s rates.
Which car insurance companies are known for not requiring spouses to be on the same policy?
Some car insurance companies that are known for allowing spouses to have separate policies include:
- Geico
- Progressive
- State Farm
- Allstate
- Liberty Mutual
Are there any downsides to having separate car insurance policies for spouses?
While having separate policies can offer advantages, there are a few potential downsides:
- Potential cost increase: In some cases, combining policies may result in a lower premium due to multi-car or multi-policy discounts. Separate policies could eliminate these discounts.
- Missed opportunities for shared benefits: Some insurance companies offer benefits like accident forgiveness or disappearing deductibles for the entire policy. By having separate policies, these benefits may only apply to an individual and not the couple as a whole.
- Coordination and communication: Managing separate policies requires coordination and communication between spouses, which could be more complex compared to having a single joint policy.
Can married couples have one joint policy even if it’s not required?
Yes, married couples can choose to have a joint policy even if the insurance company doesn’t require it. Combining policies under one plan can simplify the management of insurance coverage and may provide cost-saving opportunities through discounts.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.