How to Update Your Insurance When You Get Married

Congratulations on getting married! After planning the perfect wedding, you’ve probably got a long list of to-dos. But here’s one crucial step that could protect your new life together—and even save you money: reviewing and updating your insurance policies.

Marriage is a major life event that changes your financial and insurance needs. Many insurers see married couples as more stable, which often unlocks valuable discounts—especially on car insurance. More importantly, updating your policies creates a solid financial safety net for your spouse and your shared future.

Combine Car Insurance and Save Hundreds

One of the easiest ways to put money back in your budget after your wedding is by updating your auto insurance. Insurance companies reward married couples because statistically, married drivers are safer and file fewer claims. This often leads to a lower premium just for tying the knot.

You can save even more by combining both your vehicles on a single policy. This “multi-car discount” is common and can reduce your total monthly cost. Simply call your insurance provider—or both providers if you have separate policies—and request quotes for joint coverage. Choose the option that saves you the most.

Protect Your Home with Updated Coverage

Your home insurance deserves a quick review too. Whether you own or rent, your policy only covers the people and property named on it. That means your new spouse—and their belongings—might not be covered until you add them.

A quick call to your provider to update your policy with your spouse’s name can save you headaches later. Plus, bundling your home or renters insurance with your auto policy usually qualifies you for a “multi-policy discount,” often shaving 5-15% off your total bill.

If you moved after marriage, don’t forget to update your address with every insurer. Insurance coverage is tied to specific properties and won’t automatically follow you.

Health Insurance: Use Your Marriage as a Qualifying Life Event

Unlike car or home insurance, you can’t change health insurance plans anytime. But marriage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), giving you a limited 30-to-60-day window—called a Special Enrollment Period—to make changes.

During this period, you can add your spouse to your health plan, join theirs, or select a new family plan. If you miss this window, you’ll have to wait until open enrollment months later.

To pick the best plan, look beyond monthly premiums and consider:

• Deductibles: How much you pay before insurance kicks in.
• Doctor network: Are your preferred doctors and hospitals covered?
• Monthly premium: The fixed monthly cost of coverage.

Sometimes one spouse’s plan is better; sometimes combining makes more sense. Compare carefully for the best value and coverage.

Don’t Forget: Update Your Beneficiaries

Of all the insurance updates you’ll make, this is the most important. On life insurance policies and retirement accounts (like 401(k)s), you must name a beneficiary—the person who receives the money if you pass away.

If you don’t update your beneficiary to your new spouse, the payout might go to someone else—an ex-partner, a parent, or another relative. This can create serious financial hardship during an already difficult time.

Use this moment to ask: Is your current life insurance coverage enough? Life insurance is designed to replace your income and help your spouse cover bills and the mortgage if you die unexpectedly. If one income isn’t enough to support your new family, it’s time to consider a policy.

Your Newlywed Insurance Checklist

Ready to protect your new life together? Here’s a simple checklist to keep you on track:

1. Gather your documents: Have your marriage certificate, driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers handy.
2. Update name changes: Send your marriage certificate to insurers if you or your spouse changed names.
3. Call for joint insurance quotes: Ask your auto and home insurers about combining policies and marriage discounts.
4. Update beneficiaries: Log into your HR portal and any personal accounts to name your spouse.

From "I Do" to "All Done"

Updating your insurance isn’t just another chore—it’s a smart, loving act that builds financial security for your future. Start small: call your auto insurance agent for a joint quote. That 15-minute call could save you money and protect your spouse.

Marriage marks the start of a shared journey. Make sure your insurance protects your new life together every step of the way.