Last Updated on December 11, 2025

Being a single parent is hard enough without surprise bill increases—especially when you’re juggling work, school pickups, and everything else.

So, do single moms get discounted auto insurance coverage? Not exactly. Most insurers don’t offer a discount just for being a single parent. But single moms (and single dads) can still qualify for lots of other discounts—and in many cases, those discounts can outweigh any “married/bundled” advantages other households may have.

Below is what single parents should know about pricing, plus the best ways to cut your premium without cutting protection.

Key Takeaways

• No major insurer offers a “single mom” or “single parent” auto insurance discount, but single parents can still qualify for many other savings.
• Single parents sometimes pay more because they may lose bundling or married discounts—not because insurers price “single parenthood.”
• The biggest discount opportunities often come from bundling (including renters + auto), low mileage, safe driving, and teen/student savings.
• Comparing quotes regularly—especially after divorce, a move, or adding a teen driver—can be the fastest way to cut your premium.

Do Insurers Offer a “Single Mom” or “Single Parent” Discount?

No major U.S. insurer offers a discount specifically for single parents. Your premium is priced mostly around your driving record, location, vehicle, coverage choices, mileage, and (in many states) factors like credit-based insurance scores.

That said, some single parents end up paying more than married parents for a simple reason: married households are more likely to qualify for discounts like multi-policy bundling and sometimes discounts for being married.

If you’re single, divorced, or widowed, you may lose certain discounts when policies get separated or unbundled—which can make it feel like you’re being penalized for being a single parent (even when the rate change is really tied to discounts and policy structure).

Why Single Parents Sometimes Pay More

• Less bundling: Married households often bundle auto + home + renters more easily, which can unlock multi-policy discounts.
• One-car households: Some single parents only insure one vehicle, which can eliminate multi-vehicle discounts.
• Life changes: After divorce or becoming widowed, coverage, garaging address, and household drivers may change—often triggering a re-rate.

The good news: there are plenty of discounts available to single moms and dads that can bring your premium back down.

Best Car Insurance Discounts for Single Moms and Single Dads

While there’s no “single parent discount,” these are some of the easiest and most common savings options.

1) Bundle policies (even if you don’t own a home): Many insurers discount auto when you bundle with renters or homeowners insurance. If you rent, bundling renters + auto is often one of the best value moves for single parents.

2) Group and affiliation discounts: If you belong to a union, alumni association, or professional group, you may qualify for a group discount.

3) Profession-based discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for certain jobs. Check your eligibility if you’re a nurse, police officer, active-duty military, teacher, firefighter, or in another profession your insurer rates favorably. (It never hurts to ask: how does my job affect my insurance rates?)

4) Low-mileage discounts (and pay-per-mile options): If you work from home, have a short commute, or drive mainly for school and errands, you may qualify for low mileage discounts. Always estimate your annual miles honestly—too low can cause problems at claim time.

5) Safe driver discounts: If you’ve gone years without a claim or accident, you may qualify for meaningful safe-driving savings, plus perks like accident forgiveness (varies by insurer). Also ask about safe driving discounts.

6) Defensive driving course discounts: Many companies offer a discount for taking a defensive driving course. Some are online and fairly quick—worth checking if your insurer accepts them.

7) Teen and student discounts: If you have a teen driver, ask about family policy pricing and student-related discounts (good student, away-at-school, driver training). It can be cheaper to add them to your own policy than forcing them to buy their own—especially when you can stack discounts.

8) Other “easy ask” discounts: Many insurers offer savings for things like paperless billing, autopay, paying in full, anti-theft devices, safe vehicles, telematics/usage-based programs, and multi-car (if you have more than one vehicle). If you’re not sure what you already have, request a discount review at renewal.

Reduce Your Premium by Comparison Shopping

Single parents may not qualify for the same “stack” of household discounts as some married parents. But you can still save a lot by comparing quotes—because different insurers rate risk differently.

Comparison shopping is especially powerful if you’ve stuck with the same company for years: customer loyalty doesn’t always lower car insurance. If your insurer quietly raised rates over time, switching can reset your pricing.

Single parents also have one advantage: flexibility. With fewer bundled policies and fewer drivers, it’s often easier to switch quickly when a better deal appears.

Other Smart Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance as a Single Mom

Beyond discounts and shopping quotes, these changes can reduce your premium—often immediately:

Review your coverage limits: You may be over-insured in some areas, or you may be paying for collision/comprehensive on an older car where it no longer makes financial sense. (Just be careful not to underinsure liability—medical bills and lawsuits get expensive fast.)

Drop optional add-ons you don’t use: Consider whether you truly need roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and other add-ons. If you already have similar benefits through a credit card, manufacturer warranty, or auto club, you might be duplicating coverage.

Raise your deductible: If you have an emergency fund and want a lower monthly premium, raising your deductible is a quick and easy way to lower premiums. Just make sure you could comfortably pay that deductible after an accident.

Ask about every discount you might qualify for: Start with common auto insurance discounts, then check specialty ones like anti-theft discounts and affiliation discounts. Some insurers won’t apply certain discounts unless you request them.

FAQs on Auto Insurance Discounts for Single Moms

Final Word on Car Insurance for Single Parents

No major insurer offers a discount specifically for being a single mom or single dad.

But single parents can still get great rates by stacking the discounts they do qualify for (low mileage, safe driver, bundling, student/teen, group, and more) and comparing quotes regularly—especially after life changes like a move, divorce, or adding a teen driver.

If your premium feels too high, don’t assume it’s permanent. A quick policy review and a round of quotes can often shave hundreds of dollars per year off your bill.