Okay, I'll say it: I don't like insurance companies. Like some people hate the government, I hate them. But the sad truth is that we all need auto insurance and, in most cases, are required by law to have it.
Most people have to have car insurance, but how much they pay for it is up to them. Here are the four most important things that can make or break how much you pay for car insurance. You
You can't do much about your own demographics, which is sad. Statisticians who work in car insurance, called "actuaries," "know" that male drivers under 25 are in more accidents than female drivers of the same age.
So a young man will have to pay more. Apologies for that.
Want to save money? If you get married, your insurance rates will often go down. Why? Because most married men are less likely to get into accidents than most single men of the same age. What it is, is.
Taking an approved driver's training or driver's safety course is another way to save money. That can sometimes lead to a small discount. Ask your agent for details.
Almost everything else has less of an effect on your rates than your driving record. Your rates will be higher if you have any points on your record or have been in an accident (or two) in the last three years. And if you are not careful, your policy could be cancelled in the long run.
Last, your rates can change based on how much you drive each week. So, at least some of the time, try to carpool or take public transportation to and from work. Hey, listen up: not only will you save money on gas, but your car will also last longer. Not to mention protecting the environment. What do you think?
Your Car
If you drive a car that thieves like to steal, your insurance company will charge you more. In the same way, if you own a car that costs a lot to fix, your insurance will also cost more.
Purchased a brand-new car? You might have to pay more. But you can get a discount if your car has safety features like daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes, airbags, and automatic safety belts. And if you live in a city, you might want to think about anti-theft devices like a steering wheel lock and/or a car alarm.
Where You Live
Also, if you live in a big city, your car insurance will be much more expensive than if you live in the suburbs or in the country. This is mostly because there will be more accidents if there is more traffic. Theft is always another fact of life.
Your Rules
How much you pay for car insurance will also depend on the type of policy you choose, or more specifically, the coverages you choose.
So, if you drive an older car, you should really think about raising your deductible. How much your old car is worth is the only thing that matters. If your car isn't worth much, why pay a high premium every month to cover a crash that you might not want to fix? Also, if you already have medical insurance or roadside assistance, you might not need some of the other coverages (if your credit card already gives you coverage).
Conclusion
So, those are a few things that can make a big difference in how much (or how little) you pay for insurance. Find out more and save.
