Are you wondering, “What Determines Car Insurance Rates?” You are not alone! Many people are confused about this topic. Here are some tips to lower your rates. You can also find out how much your rate will cost if you know what factors affect your rate. Consider these tips to help you get the cheapest auto insurance possible. If you want to get the best deal possible, you should make comparison shopping a priority.
The type of car you drive plays a big role in determining your insurance rate. The insurance company considers the amount of claims made by drivers of cars of similar models in the past. Then, they examine theft rates, repairs, and the frequency of comprehensive claims. Lastly, your car’s model and make will have a big impact on your rate. If you drive a luxury car, you will likely pay higher insurance rates than a common car. After all, a higher-priced car costs more to repair and replace than one that is made by a more experienced driver.
Your car’s make, model, and engine size are other factors that affect your rate. Bigger cars tend to be safer and have lower insurance premiums. Sports cars, on the other hand, are expensive to insure and have features geared toward speed. Your vehicle’s safety rating will also affect your rate. You may be surprised to learn that sports cars cost more to insure than simple cars with V4 engines.
Your driving history and age also influence your rates. If you have a clean driving record, you will pay less than a driver with a DUI, for example. However, drivers with several violations on their record will usually pay higher rates. High risk drivers, such as new drivers, may also need to purchase special insurance. Lastly, low-mileage drivers often pay cheaper rates. You can save by switching to pay-per-mile insurance.
In addition to driving history, your credit score can affect the cost of your insurance. Drivers with poor credit scores are more likely to make insurance claims than those with excellent credit. However, you should know that some states prohibit insurers from using credit scores to determine insurance premiums. As such, you should shop around before purchasing your car insurance. You can also check for discounts and promotions in the local newspaper. This can save you a lot of money.
Accidents and tickets tend to get less important over time. It is important to note that driving more slowly will prevent future problems. Accidents, especially non-injury accidents, do not impact premiums for three to five years. A DUI conviction on your driving record can affect your rates for as long as 10 years. If you’re lucky enough to avoid accidents and pay for minor damage yourself, you may even qualify for lower rates.
One factor that impacts your rate is the cost of typical repairs. Obviously, if you bought your car for a high price, you’re likely to have to make more insurance claims. Another factor that can raise your premium is your car’s safety rating. Vehicles with poor safety ratings are more likely to be involved in accidents, resulting in more expensive claims. While some SUV models are safe and comfortable for drivers, others may be prone to car theft, which increases the cost of premiums.
