Car insurance calculators can help you estimate your coverage costs before committing to a policy. They are available on various websites and work by asking for input such as driving history, estimated annual mileage, ZIP code, age and marital status information before providing a rough estimate of how much coverage may cost depending on how each insurer calculates rates.
Factors that influence car insurance premiums differ considerably by insurer and even company. Some will place greater weight on driving history than others, with DUI offenses and accidents having more of an effect than an accident-free record would. Location can also have an effect as certain areas tend to experience more theft, vandalism and car accidents than others; additionally the type of vehicle and amount of coverage chosen also have an effect; insurance companies tend to charge more for high performance models while safer models and older ones often receive lower premiums.
Your credit score also plays a factor in your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies have found a correlation between proper credit management and safer driving habits and paying lower auto insurance rates, so those with higher scores tend to enjoy reduced premiums than those with poorer ones. Finally, choosing your deductible could affect rates; generally higher ones tend to offer reduced rates than lower ones but it is wise to weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding.
Insurance companies will request personal information to assess your risk, such as your Social Security number, date of birth and address. They’ll also take into account details like make and model of vehicle as well as repair/part costs/theft risk/age of drivers to be included on policy; names/ages of potential drivers to add on policy. They might also inquire as to discounts that apply, such as bundling home/auto policies together or receiving paperless statements.
Keep in mind that most car insurance calculators only provide estimates for a set period, such as six months or one year. This makes them less useful if you want an annual policy or want to compare quotes; for more accurate results it would be wiser to talk directly to an independent agent.
An effective insurance agent will evaluate both personal and vehicle details to give you the most accurate quote possible, while providing guidance through rating factors and coverage types that suit you best. They can help find an optimal balance between price and protection so you don’t overpay or underpay, while offering tips to make the most out of current policies while saving money in future policies.