Getting Married? Update These 5 Insurance Policies Immediately

Tying the knot comes with a whirlwind of excitement — and paperwork. While planning your honeymoon and merging your Spotify playlists, there’s one critical area most couples overlook: insurance.

Marriage changes more than your last name. It affects your finances, legal rights, and risk profile — all of which directly impact your insurance needs.

Here are 5 insurance policies you should review (and possibly update) right after saying “I do”:

1. Health Insurance: Choose the Best Plan for Both of You

Marriage qualifies as a life event, meaning you don’t have to wait for open enrollment to make changes.

What to do:

Compare your employer-sponsored plans — one might offer better premiums, coverage, or lower deductibles.
Consider bundling onto one policy if it’s cheaper than paying for two.
Check for fertility, mental health, or maternity coverage if planning a family.

💡 Don’t delay: you usually have 30–60 days after marriage to make these changes.

2. Auto Insurance: Combine Policies and Save

If you’re both drivers, combining your auto insurance policies could unlock significant discounts.

Why update:

Multi-car and multi-driver policies often lower your rate by 10–25%.
You’ll be covered if you borrow each other’s vehicles.
Your risk profile might change (a good thing, if one spouse has a clean driving record).

Just remember: if one of you has a poor driving history, getting separate policies might still be cheaper. Compare both scenarios.

3. Homeowners or Renters Insurance: Protect Shared Property

Moving in together? Whether you rent or own, you’re now sharing property and liability, which requires updated coverage.

What to consider:

Make sure both names are listed on the policy.
Increase personal property limits to cover shared items (furniture, electronics, jewelry).
Consider adding a rider for high-value items like engagement rings or wedding gifts.

🏠 If you’re buying a home together, you’ll need a new homeowners policy before closing.

4. Life Insurance: Start or Increase Your Coverage

Life insurance isn’t just for parents — it’s for anyone who has someone depending on them financially. That now includes your spouse.

Action steps:

If you already have a policy, update your beneficiary.
Consider a term life policy to cover shared debts like a mortgage or student loans.
Stay-at-home spouses should also consider coverage — their work has real economic value.

💡 Many employers offer basic life insurance, but it’s often not enough. Look into supplemental options.

5. Disability Insurance: Protect Your Income Together

If either of you suddenly couldn’t work due to illness or injury, how would you pay the bills?
That’s where disability insurance steps in — and it’s even more important once you share expenses.

Why it matters:

It replaces a portion of lost income if you’re unable to work.
Some jobs offer it as a benefit — check both of your plans.
If you’re self-employed or a gig worker, look into private disability coverage.

Bonus: Update Your Beneficiaries

While you’re reviewing insurance, take a few extra minutes to update beneficiaries on:

Life insurance policies
Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
Health savings accounts (HSA)

⚠️ If you forget, your money could go to a parent or ex — not your spouse.

Final Thought

Marriage is more than a romantic milestone — it’s a major financial shift. Taking time now to align your insurance policies could:

Save you money
Protect your shared future
Prevent major legal and financial issues later

So before the thank-you cards go out or you board that honeymoon flight, give your insurance a fresh start too — it’s one of the best ways to start your new life together on solid ground.