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How Is the Cost of Car Insurance Determined?

by Emilie Burke on
9/4/2018
in Personal Finance
Figure of car between two hands

Car insurance can be a big budget item, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing how your premium is calculated can help you make better decisions about what kind of car to buy, how to manage your credit, and even where to live. Of course, there are some factors you can’t control, but knowing how to control the ones you can will help lower your premiums.

How Car Insurance Premiums are Calculated:

What You Drive

The type of car you drive can be a big factor in determining your premiums. Cars are ranked on safety features and discounts are offered for cars that are consider safer to drive. Features like extra airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices are a plus in calculated your premium.

On the flip side, flashy cars that are more susceptible to injury, damage, or theft will increase your premium. Do your research before buying a car. Check the safety ratings and find out how frequently that model is stolen. You can always ask your insurance company for quotes on a few different cars to help you make up your mind.

Your Policy and Deductibles

Lower deductibles and add-on coverages will increase your premiums. Choosing a higher deductible will help lower your premium, just make sure that you can cover your deductible if there’s a problem.

Consider all options and how much you need each one before adding it. Also consider bundling your insurance. Having your home and auto insurance together will lower your premiums for both.

How Far and How Often You Drive

If you work from home and don’t need your car very often, your premium will be less expensive than if you work in a big city 20 miles from home and fight traffic both ways. The more miles you add to your odometer every year, the more likely you are to have an accident which equates to higher premiums.

Consider joining a ride share or taking public transportation. Even if you only commute that way a few days a week, it will lower your premium.

Where You Live

If you live downtown or an area with a high crime rate, your premium will be higher than if you live in a small town or suburb. Moving out of the city may mean driving more miles, but your rate could still be lower if you’re in a low crime area.

Your Credit History

Some factors of your credit history can predict your level of responsibility and possible future claims. Maintaining a strong credit rating can be beneficial to your insurance premium.

Driving Record

Your history of accidents and claims over the last several years can determine if you’re a good risk or not. Those with crash-free driving records for at least 3 years are more likely to have a lower premium than those who have had even one accident or claim.

Your previous insurance record is a factor too. If you have gaps in your insurance coverage, you are a higher risk for non-payment of premiums so an insurance company will charge you more.

Your Stats

Your age, sex, and marital status can play a part in deciding your premium. Drivers under 25 are more likely to have accidents, especially single males. People who are married are seen as more reliable and safer drivers than those who are single.

While some factors are out of your control, choosing a car based on safety ratings, living in a safer area, raising your deductible, managing your credit, and driving your car less frequently can all play a significant part in lower your car insurance premiums.

Looking for more tips and ideas to reduce the cost of car insurance? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Saving on Car Insurance!

Tagged in Insurance, Cars and car loans

Emilie writes about overcoming debt, while balancing trying to eat healthy, stay fit, and have a little fun along the way. You can find more of her work at BurkeDoes.com.

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