Keeping Your Auto Insurance Rates Affordable
Like most everything these days, auto insurance rates are on the rise. Many factors play a role in the way premiums are calculated including some over which you have no control. But the good news is that there are other things you CAN do to keep costs affordable.
Drive safely
A history of automobile accidents and traffic violations is a guaranteed way to pay more for auto insurance. So slow down, obey traffic rules and always drive defensively.
Choose the right car
Fast cars tend to be involved in more accidents and luxury cars tend to be involved in more thefts. Before purchasing a new or used car, find out the make and model of the cars most likely to increase insurance premiums and avoid those.
Protect your credit
The lower your credit score, the bigger a risk you’re perceived by some auto insurers. That’s just one more reason to always manage your credit responsibly.
Keep claims to a minimum
Think about this: The fewer claims an insurance company pays, the more profit it makes. Insurers prefer safe drivers because they tend not cost the insurance company as much. One way to attract those drivers is by offering better rates to those with a history of no or very few claims.
Live in the country
If you have a job or children in school, moving somewhere less populated may not be an option. But rural areas are where you’ll encounter fewer drivers and fewer drivers mean fewer accidents. Rural areas also report fewer car thefts. If your auto is garaged in the city, expect to pay higher premiums.
Change occupations
The more driving you do, the higher your premiums so avoid taking a job delivering pizzas. There are other jobs that put you into a higher risk category and if you’re interested in knowing what they are, ask your agent.
Drive less over a longer period of time
The fewer miles you drive annually and the longer you’ve been driving can also help lower premiums as can installing theft protection devices and insuring multiple drivers.
What you can’t control
Unfortunately, you can’t do anything about your age or your gender and statistics show that both the oldest and the youngest drivers as well as men are involved in more accidents.