Factors Determining Auto Insurance Rates

How much you pay for auto insurance depends on many factors, not just your accident record. Many discounts are available to drivers for good behavior on the road, maintaining a safe vehicle, and attending defensive driving classes. These are a few of the many ways to save money on auto insurance that we can use to our benefit. If you think about it though, there are also many factors which we have little control over that influence our auto insurance rates.

Geographic Location Influences Your Insurance Costs

Many states where there are bad roads, foul weather, and high crime tend to have higher auto insurance premiums. The reason is obvious: people in these high-risk states tend to file more claims than elsewhere. Insurers tend to compensate for loss of revenue by raising rates. Some states rate motorists based on their careers, charging more to those in the work force who tend to file claims more often. Only 10 of the fifty states disallow that type of discrimination.

The Demographics Of Auto Insurance

Insurers study demographics, that is, the statistical breakdown of a population according to age, sex, education, career, and salary. Based on their conclusions, they are able to determine which of us is more likely to file an auto insurance claim. Insurers are not so much concerned with which of us is likely to get into an accident, but who will want to be reimbursed and consequently file a claim. Blue collar workers are more likely to want to be reimbursed for a damaged vehicle than those in white collar jobs, even though doctors and others get into more wrecks.

High Risk Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance agents know that there are certain groups of drivers who are at a higher probability of being involved in an auto accident and charge them accordingly. People who have regained their license after being convicted of a DUI offense. Other offenses, such as speeding, and at-fault accidents can cause higher rates. Men are regarded as a higher risk than women. Teens crash more than adults, and city drivers more than country. Although it seems a distant link to predicting auto insurance usage, people with a poor credit history are believed to a higher risk than those who have a good rating.

Repairing A Bad Driving Record

In many instances it is possible to heal a high risk rating for auto insurance with just some behavior modification and some time. Most insurers will erase bad marks on your record after a few years of good behavior. Start paying your credit cards on time will help return your credit rating. Buying an older car and installing anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices will put you in a more favorable light in the eyes of your insurer. Taking advantage of discounts and remedying your trespasses can help you get better auto insurance rates. Some offenses are more extreme than others and require greater effort. DUI offenses usually require stricter punishment and involve longer healing time.