There are a lot of factors that determine your car insurance premium.
- Driving history: If you’ve been involved in a lot of accidents and received more than your fair share of traffic tickets, the result is almost certain to be higher car insurance costs. These are all negatives but not having those are positives too.
- Deductible and discounts: A higher deductible results in a lower premium, so select the highest deductible you are comfortable with. Sometimes being a member of a certain organization can earn you discounts as well.
- Your vehicle and how you use it: The more time you spend on the road, the higher the chance of something happening. So, if you have a long daily commute, you should expect to pay more for your car insurance. Your vehicle makes a difference in your car insurance rates, too. If you drive a vehicle with solid safety ratings or one that has a high likelihood of theft, your rates may go down or up, respectively.
- Your home: What does your home have to do with car insurance rates? Where you live can oftentimes effect your car insurance costs. For example, metropolitan areas have more traffic, so there’s likely a higher chance of being involved in an accident than a rural area with less traffic. So, those who live in a high-density area may pay more for auto insurance. Drivers in any area, however, may pay less if they own their homes. Many carriers offer a car insurance discount if you own a home, townhouse or condo.
- Age, marital status and gender: Believe it or not, married drivers typically have fewer auto accidents than non-married drivers, so the former may pay less for their car insurance. Young, inexperienced drivers typically pay more, so keep this in mind if your kids are nearing driving age. And, finally, female drivers often experience fewer accidents, so they may receive lower rates than males.
- Credit history: Data has shown that those with higher credit-based insurance scores typically have fewer claims over time. So, keep your credit in check if you want to keep your car insurance costs in check, too. Though, in some states, carriers are not allowed to use your credit history in determining your car insurance rate.
- Previous coverage: If you’ve ever had any gaps in your coverage or you’ve carried lower-than-recommended limits in the past, you may find yourself paying more for car insurance today.
Always consult with your agent for help with these questions.
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