Getting Married? Here's Your Insurance Update Checklist

Direct answer: Newlyweds should update four categories of insurance within roughly 30 days of the wedding: health insurance (adding a spouse), auto insurance (combining or updating policies), life insurance beneficiaries, and homeowners or renters insurance named insureds.

1. Health insurance

Marriage is a qualifying life event; most employer plans expect notice within 30 days, while marketplace plans often allow up to 60. Compare both spouses' existing plans before choosing whose employer coverage (if either) makes more financial sense for the household.

2. Auto insurance

Combining two auto policies under one household can lower the total premium through multi-car discounts, but insurers typically want the change reported within about 30 days of the marriage.

3. Life insurance beneficiaries

This is the single most commonly forgotten step. Old beneficiary designations (an ex, a parent) remain legally valid until changed, regardless of your new marital status, so this update has no built-in deadline but should happen immediately.

4. Home or renters insurance

Add a spouse as a named insured so their belongings and liability exposure are covered under the policy, particularly if they're moving into a home you already owned before the marriage.