Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

Intro

Who doesn’t love a cheaper auto insurance policy? No one apparently!

Keeping tabs on ways to reduce your insurance should be alluring at any time. But there’re some factors which have a direct effect on the premiums you’ve got to pay your policy provider.

A massive number of drivers are in a constant search for means to lower their insurance rates. Who can blame them? In many US cities, car insurance rates could cost drivers thousands of dollars based on certain factors.

It’s certain there’re some factors you can manage, and some others you obviously can’t. Here’s what influences your auto premium rates more than anything else;

Demographic Factors

Residential Area

Research shows a greater percentage of accidents take place around residential spaces. That’s why your place of residence is put in play when mapping out auto insurance rates.

If you live in an area where there’s a massive number of vehicles, there’s a greater chance of your premiums going up.

Being in a populated space puts your vehicle at an increased risk of getting in an accident or stolen.

There’s also the factor of repair costs by location. Many repair shops charge different rates, and if you’re within such an area, expect a higher premium rate.

Age

There’s a lot of focus on how age affects insurance premiums, and many US insurance firms consider this factor.

There’s a higher likelihood for young drivers to get engaged in accidents than more matured motorists. In some states, young drivers may have to pay almost double premium rates when compared to older drivers.

But if you’re a young driver, there’re some benefits you can enjoy. Stuff such as good driver discounts, good grade discounts (for college/university students) could significantly reduce your premiums.

Marital Status

If you’re a married motorist, there’s a lower rate attached to your auto insurance than singles. There’s a general consensus amongst policy providers that married people tend to be involved in lesser accidents.

And there can be a further reduction in your premiums when you’re married. These reductions are available when you’ve got a squeaky clean driving history. Over time, you could see your premiums reduce by a sizeable chunk.

Gender

This is a two-way factor that could affect your premiums. For example, young guys have to pay more for auto insurance policies while females may pay a bit lower.

When it comes to old people, men are regarded as being more experienced and careful than older women. This factor decreases premiums, but not as significantly as you’d expect.

Occupation

If you’re a police officer, medic, or nun, that’s very good for your premium rates. Your profession means you’d have a significantly lesser premium than a journalist or delivery man.

Reason is an insurance provider determines if you’re being on the road too frequently because of your job. With this info, they’ll calculate if you’ve got to pay less or more in premiums. Auto insurance providers also use your profession to ascertain if you’d be more careful on the road.

Car-Related Factors

How old your vehicle is

If you’re using an old vehicle, chances are it won’t be the same if you get involved in a collision. On the flip side, newer cars have sturdier parts which may be easier to fix if your car is involved in a crash.

This factor affects your premiums in an odd way. Since it’ll cost more to replace a new vehicle with updated features than an old one, newer cars regularly attract higher premiums. The new vehicle rate is increased by the collision coverage rates attached to their policies.

If you own an old vehicle, it’d make perfect sense to jettison the collision coverage and get another better-priced automobile.

Your car’s safety index

Many cars come built-in with safety features. These features are what insurance firms check out when putting together your safety index. Your driving history is also used in calculating this index.

A car with a greater safety score usually provides greater protection for its occupants. Insurance firma charge lower rates for such vehicles. The reverse is the case with a vehicle that has a lower safety rating.

Personal Driving Habits

Your driving experience  

Because new drivers are still learning the actual traffic rules based on their day-to-day driving experience, the cost of car insurance highly vary. New drivers may usually file more claims due to roadside accidents than experienced drivers. Hence, the insurance premiums of new drivers are higher than experienced drivers. 

Learn more about how much is new driver car insurance at QuoteYeti.com. 

How you use your vehicle

If you use your car more often, there’s a greater chance you’ll receive a higher premium from your policy provider.

If your car is properly maintained and shielded from damage, your rate will also reduce with time.

You’ll pay higher car insurance premiums if you use your vehicle for long-distance commuting or business. Even if you’re a defensive driver, the higher the likelihood of collision if you drive more miles in a year. Hence, the higher are your auto insurance premiums.

You can join a vehicle pool, ride a bike, or take public transportation to minimize the miles you drive. Insurance rates are often lower with a shorter commute, reducing the driver’s total annual driving mileage and premiums.

Contact your insurance company to determine their existing discounts and rules for driving less. 

Your road history

Do written warnings affect insurance? Yes. They do.

Your road history plays a huge role on how much you’ve got to pay in premiums. So it’s better to be a defensive driver when you hit the road, as your premiums could spike after every crash.

Defensive driving refers to driving a vehicle consciously, reducing the risks of road dangers, such as a bumper-to-bumper collision. By practicing defensive driving, you can save money on insurance premium costs, fuel consumption, and car maintenance. So, drive steadily and smoothly at all times whenever possible. Learn the different defensive driving techniques for your safety and cost savings.

Final Word

Now that you’re equipped with all the essential info, you know what to do for a lowered auto premium.

There’s so much you’ve got to gain with a lower rates, and it’s sure to make your budget fatter than ever before!