Getting Married Insurance Checklist

Marriage brings many financial decisions, including how to handle insurance. Use this checklist to ensure you and your spouse have proper coverage as you start your life together.

Before the Wedding (1-3 Months Prior)

Health Insurance Decisions

  • Compare both employers’ health plans for cost and coverage
  • Determine if one spouse can join the other’s plan (marriage is a qualifying life event)
  • Calculate costs: two individual plans vs. one family plan
  • Note: You typically have 30-60 days after marriage to make changes

Auto Insurance

  • Get quotes for combining auto policies (multi-car discounts can save 10-25%)
  • Compare rates from both current insurers
  • List both spouses on all household vehicles

Life Insurance

  • Assess if either spouse has dependents or significant debts
  • Consider term life insurance if you’ll depend on each other’s income
  • Get quotes while you’re young and healthy (rates are lowest)

Within 30 Days of Marriage

Update Beneficiaries

  • Update life insurance beneficiary designations
  • Update 401(k) and IRA beneficiaries (spouse may have legal rights)
  • Update any workplace benefits designations
  • Consider naming your spouse as contingent beneficiary if not primary

Combine or Update Policies

  • Notify auto insurer of your marriage and address change
  • Update homeowners/renters insurance with new name and/or address
  • Add spouse to existing policies as needed
  • Cancel redundant coverage (don’t pay for two renters policies at same address)

Health Insurance Changes

  • Add spouse to your plan OR join spouse’s plan (within 30-60 day window)
  • Update personal information with your insurer
  • Coordinate prescription drug coverage if both plans offer it

After Settling In (First 6 Months)

Review Coverage Needs

  • Update homeowners/renters coverage to reflect combined belongings
  • Insure valuable wedding gifts (jewelry rider for rings)
  • Review liability limits now that you may have more assets to protect
  • Consider umbrella insurance if combined assets exceed $300,000

Long-Term Planning

  • Discuss life insurance needs based on combined financial picture
  • Consider disability insurance if not provided by employers
  • Review estate planning documents (wills, healthcare directives)
  • Set annual reminder to review insurance together

Common Money-Saving Tips

  • Bundle policies: Combining auto and home with one insurer often saves 5-15%
  • Multi-car discount: Two cars on one policy is cheaper than separate policies
  • Good credit bonus: Marriage often improves financial stability, which can lower rates
  • Married driver discount: Some auto insurers offer lower rates for married couples

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t assume your spouse’s policy automatically covers you
  • Don’t wait past the enrollment window to make health insurance changes
  • Don’t forget to update beneficiaries (ex-partners may still be listed)
  • Don’t let coverage lapse during the transition

This checklist is for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.