It is difficult to get coverage that is affordable for your automobile. There are many factors that affect the price of your auto insurance. Let’s take a closer view of some key factors so that you are more informed and can hopefully pay less for your insurance.
1. There are lapses in coverage
Although auto insurance is required in almost all U.S. states, many people decide to cancel their coverage without thinking twice. Insurers view this as an additional risk, so it is not a wise move. Insurers are more likely to cancel policies or refuse to pay premiums if a person does not have continuous vehicle insurance. This often overlooked factor is a major influence on rates. You should not switch to another insurer if there have been any lapses. This will make it easier to obtain a lower policy in the future.
2. Your DMV Driving Record
Nearly everyone believes they are a good driver. Even those who get in multiple at-fault crashes. Although it seems like someone else is at fault, many people are simply bad drivers. Car insurance companies take traffic violations and accidents very seriously. You will pay more if you have received many tickets, particularly those that are more serious like reckless violations. Drivers who have not been in an accident and have not received any tickets over a three-year period are considered safe. A good driving record can save you up to 15% on your automobile insurance. Get rid of any tickets that have been issued to you. Talk to the judge, go to traffic school or to court to negotiate a payment plan. After you have cleared your driving record, make sure to keep it clean by adhering to all traffic laws.
3. Your Driving Experience and Age
This is a huge factor that will impact the cost of your insurance. The highest premiums for coverage are paid by those aged between 18 and 25. This means that older adults can be insured for less money than a teenager aged 19 to 80. This is all stat-based. Young drivers are more likely to drive at high speeds and engage in dangerous driving habits like texting while driving. This leads to a higher number of accidents and a higher cost for coverage. Low rates are best between 35-60. If they have a clean DMV record, these motorists can receive extremely low rates. Young people aged 24 or under can take a defensive driving course and earn good grades at school. Combining these two activities can save you up to 15%.
4. The vehicle you drive
People do a lot of research on the cars they are interested in without even considering the cost of auto insurance. Rates are determined by the type of vehicle, current value and year. You might expect some cars to be very expensive, while others you think are affordable are actually quite cheap. A late model Jeep Cherokee, for example, is cheaper to insure than many sedans such as the Honda Accord. Because Honda’s are often targeted by thieves, this is why Honda’s are so affordable to insure. These stolen vehicles are often passed on to consumers by auto insurers. A Toyota Camry is a good choice if you have a limited budget. Avoid used or new sports cars such as the Corvette or Porsche. Avoid vehicles that are constantly on the top 10 most stolen cars. You will be able to determine if it is possible to afford the car that you are looking for.
Shop Online for Lower Rates
Once you’ve gained an understanding of the key factors used by insurers to calculate premiums it is time to start comparing quotes. The internet is the best place to compare car insurance prices. Get a free quote and save money on auto insurance today.
Sites like good to be insurance allow you to compare rates from up to 10 companies side-by-side. Get good to go insurance today and get a better rate.
