The amounts that people pay for car insurance vary widely. Premiums are based on several factors related to the vehicle that’s insured, the person who drives it, and where the policyholder lives. Here are some things you should know.
Vehicle
Some makes and models are difficult to repair, are frequently stolen, or lack certain optional safety features. Policyholders with those types of vehicles are more likely to file expensive insurance claims and therefore pay higher premiums.
Demographics
Auto insurance companies look at trends and identify which groups are most likely to be involved in accidents. That information influences the way that insurers set premiums. Age and gender are two of the biggest determinants.
Young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions than older, more experienced motorists. Young drivers tend to make mistakes due to a lack of experience, and they’re more likely to drive above the speed limit and engage in distracted behaviors while driving.
Male drivers typically pay higher premiums than females. Statistically speaking, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, and the probability of a male driver causing an accident is therefore higher.
Driving Record
Insurance companies also consider a specific individual’s driving history. Accidents, speeding tickets, and other infractions can affect auto insurance premiums.
Insurers treat a customer’s driving history in a variety of ways. Some companies charge exorbitant rates to customers with blemishes on their record, while others don’t hike rates for people with only one accident.
Location
Urban areas have more people on the roads and more collisions than rural places. People who live in cities are therefore likely to pay higher insurance premiums than people in less highly populated areas.
Location can influence other risk factors. For instance, some areas have higher rates of auto theft, break-ins, and vandalism. Customers who live in those areas therefore tend to pay higher premiums than people who live in areas with less crime.
Find Affordable Insurance Coverage
It can be challenging to find an auto insurance policy that provides the coverage you need and fits your budget. The team at Petruzelo Insurance can help.
We can get quotes from several insurers and find out if you qualify for any discounts. For example, you might be able to save money by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance and taking out policies through the same carrier. If you’re thinking about buying a new car, we can discuss how much it would cost to insure different vehicles so you can make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more.