Car insurance rates are determined based on multiple factors, including driver demographics, driving records, claims history and location. While these factors play a role in calculating your rate, their exact impact depends on both company and state policies; providing more details will lead to a more precise quote.
Certain factors are within your power and can be altered, like your credit score which is used by most states that permit it to asses risk levels and determine rates. A poor credit score could increase rates substantially – by paying bills on time and working to improve it, your rates can decrease substantially. Many insurance companies also offer usage-based telematics programs which monitor how you drive and reward safe driving habits with discounts.
Age can also have an effect on car insurance rates. Teen and senior drivers usually pay more, due to being at greater risk of accidents. Adding a teenage driver could increase rates by 44-58 percent depending on his/her age.
Age alone doesn’t determine your insurance rates; other factors, including driving record and recent tickets or accidents can significantly alter them. Achieve a clean driving history will lower rates as will having a vehicle that’s less prone to theft or damage.
Other considerations may include your annual mileage and vehicle type. As your risk for being involved in an accident increases with mileage driven, so will your premiums. Certain car models cost more to repair or replace than others and could have an effect on your rates as well.
Insurance companies also take gender and marital status into account when setting rates. Married drivers tend to pay lower premiums than single drivers as they present less of a risk to insurers. Men tend to cost more as they engage in riskier driving behaviors which increase accident severity rates.
An online car insurance calculator is an effective way to understand what the costs will be before purchasing your policy. This calculator will also help you decide how much coverage is right for you so as not to end up overpaying or not having enough protection in case of an accident. Always aim to purchase one that provides adequate protection within your budget – use our calculator now and receive car insurance quotes today.