Getting married is tough enough, with the flowers and the cake and the whole she-bam. But let's talk about what a marriage is really about. It's about combining assets, lives, and car insurance.

Now, you are probably thinking to yourself--I am a good driver and I have a low premium rate as of now. I won't be seeing a high premium anytime in my future.However, you forget you take on your spouse's driving record as well. What if he or she is in fact, a bad driver. They have a driving record because of it.

How do you protect yourself and your wallet?

Well first off, its time to sit down with your spouse and have a talk. Find out just how bad their driving history is going to affect you.

Then there are a few things you can do to save money:

One - you can purchase all of your insurance needs from one company. Usually companies reward loyalty with discounts. Put multiple cars on your insurance policy. Use this company for any other insurance needs you may have. The more policies you purchase from a company the sweeter the discount may be.

Two- don't get mad at your spouse. Getting married itself is a plus for insurance rates. It gives the appearance of stability which to insurance companies translates to a "lower risk" driver. This in itself can chip a little off that premium. Also, as a married couple your income is combined. This can help with lowering a premium by raising your deductible (if you're financially able).

And three- You can buy your own car insurance private from your spouse. This will guarantee that you keep your low premium and current plan. It will protect you until your spouse can take a safe driving course or a defensive driving course. These are both ways they can make themselves appear to be a lower risk driver.
Marrying a person is scary enough, you don't have to marry their bad car insurance premium as well.