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
Related Insurance Types
- Health Insurance - Compare family plan options
- Life Insurance - Protect your spouse if something happens
- Auto Insurance - Combine for savings
- Homeowners Insurance - Protect your home together
Related Guides
- Insurance for Young Families - Coverage guide for growing households
- Term vs. Whole Life Insurance - Compare your life insurance options
- HMO vs. PPO Health Plans - Choose the right plan type
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about insurance when getting married answered below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to add my spouse to my health insurance after marriage?
Marriage is a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period. You typically have 30-60 days after your wedding date to add your spouse to your health insurance plan or switch to your spouse’s plan. Don’t miss this window—you’ll have to wait until open enrollment otherwise.
Should we combine auto insurance policies after getting married?
Yes, combining auto insurance policies typically saves 10-25% through multi-car discounts. Get quotes from both current insurers and compare. Even if you keep separate policies, you should list both spouses on all household vehicles since unmarried drivers sharing cars may face coverage gaps.
Do I need to update my beneficiaries after getting married?
Absolutely. Update life insurance, 401(k), IRA, and any other accounts with beneficiary designations within 30 days of marriage. Without updates, benefits may go to previously named individuals (like parents or ex-partners) rather than your spouse. In some states, spouses have legal rights to certain benefits regardless.
Is it better to have two individual health plans or one family plan after marriage?
It depends on coverage quality and costs. Compare: premiums for two individual plans vs. one family plan, network coverage for your doctors, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, and employer contributions. Sometimes two individual plans cost less; sometimes a family plan is cheaper. Do the math for your specific situation.
Do married couples get lower car insurance rates?
Yes, married drivers typically pay 4-10% less than single drivers for auto insurance. Insurers view married couples as more stable and statistically safer drivers. You may also qualify for bundling discounts if you combine home and auto insurance with one carrier.
Should we get life insurance after getting married?
If either spouse depends on the other’s income, yes. Term life insurance is affordable—a healthy 30-year-old can get $500,000 coverage for $25-35/month. Consider coverage if you share a mortgage, plan to have children, or would struggle financially if one spouse died. Get quotes while young and healthy for the lowest rates.
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This checklist is for educational purposes. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.
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