Posts Tagged ‘car insurance rates’
Car Insurance Rates – Can You Lower Them?
Car insurance rates are prohibitive nowadays. Many families really struggle to pay the car insurance bill each month. And car insurance rates vary all the time. So if car insurance cost is an issue for you, what can you do about it?
The car insurance industry is a massive industry. It is also a highly competitive one, and car insurance rates vary over time as car insurance companies compete for business. Car insurance rates are often highly fluid.
It is entirely possible to lower the cost of your auto insurance rates by altering your behaviour, and you can do this by having a better understanding of how the rates are assessed.
Car insurance rates are based on an assessment of risk. Whilst insurance companies vary their rates to compete with other insurance companies, they also vary their rates based on their assessment of the risk posed by a particular driver driving a particular car. They do this because there is no point in buying business with low car insurance rates and then insuring high risk drivers at these rates. This is a recipe for losing money.
So, if you lower your risk, you lower your car insurance. How do you
lower your risk? Well there’s a number of ways that your own driving and car behaviour can affect your car insurance rates.
Have a look at the car you drive. Is it suitable for your current needs? If not then would it be worthwhile to consider a change?
Different cars attract different auto insurance rates. Sports cars, high powered cars and cars at greater risk of theft attract higher rates. How long have you had your car and would it be wise to think about another one that would be cheaper to insure and more useful to you?
What Factors Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?
If you own or lease a car in most states it is mandatory that all drivers have car insurance. Depending on the type of car and type of ownership car insurance rates can become very expensive, especially in California. Knowing this, one way to get cheap California auto insurance is to know at least some of the factors that affect your rates so that wiser decisions can be made in choosing the car to drive and choosing insurance coverage.
One of the main factors affecting a car insurance rate is your driving record. If you have the misfortune of being in accidents, especially of a severe nature, it is almost guaranteed that your rates will be high. The insurance companies view a driving record as a report on possible liability. The more liability the more risk a company has to take to insure a driver with a blemished driving record. The best advice for improving your driving record is to take the necessary classes authorized by a local motor vehicle administration and become diligent about improving your driving habits. Don’t speed, don’t drive intoxicated and don’t participate in any activities that will cause points to be added to your record. If you follow these tips eventually your driving record will improve and one day you may qualify for more affordable rates and lower premiums.
How Are Your Car Insurance Rates Calculated?
The average American makes car insurance payments his/her entire adult life and most people are baffled by/ discontented with their car insurance rates. Since it is a consistent an unavoidable expense, it is best to understand what determines your insurance rates and use that knowledge to get the best coverage you can. There are many different factors that come into play when determining insurance rates.
Age: According to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2009, approximately 8 drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 die every single day due to an automobile crash and drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are at least 4 times more likely to cause a car crash than drivers from any other age group. Since young drivers tend to be unsafe, their insurance rates tend to be very high, which is unfortunate since many of them can’t afford to pay so much, given the pressures of minimum wage jobs and /or their academics. They can however, ask their insurance company if they are eligible for any discounts; many companies offer discounts to students who complete a defensive driver’s course or excel academically. Once over the age of 25, most drivers are able to find more affordable car insurance quotes.
Driving record: Your driving record plays a huge part in determining your insurance rates. It is an indication of how likely you are to make claims and have claims made against you. Even something as minor as a few speeding tickets can send your car insurance rates through the roof. The defensive driver’s course mentioned above helps you keep your driving record clean, which in turn helps you find reasonable car insurance quotes and keeps your insurance rates low year after year.
Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
If You Refuse To Pay High Insurance Rates…Here Are 7 “Bargaining Chips” you Can Use to Negotiate a Better Insurance Rate.
Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
Having a good driving record is one of the best ways to keep your car insurance rates down. Here are a few other ways to help lower your costs.
1. Shop Around
Make companies compete for your business. Prices will vary from company to company. So, be sure to ask at least 3-4 different companies for a quote. Make them earn your business.
Talk to your friends, neighbors and coworkers about their insurance policies. If they’re happy with their insurance company there is a good chance you will be too.
There are dozens of companies on line willing to give you a free car insurance quote (like FreeCarInsuranceQuotes.org and CarInsurance.com). This may be a good starting place for you. Keep your eyes and ears open for radio and TV advertisements.
Again, these agencies are willing to compete for your business; so, don’t settle.
2. Ask For Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By raising your deductible, you can lower your insurance rates significantly. For instance, raising your deductible from $250 to $500 can reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage 10-30 percent. Raising your deductible to a $1000 could save you as much as 40% or better.
Just be sure you have the cash on hand to cover yourself in the event of a claim.
3. Have Safety/ Anti-theft Devices Installed
You may be eligible for further insurance discounts if your vehicle is equipped with one or more options: anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, air bags, or traction control.