Car Insurance Rates : The Basics Explained
There are several factors that affect the rate of your car insurance premiums. The main contributing factors are set out below…
The make and model of your car : One of the best ways to get cheaper car insurance is by changing the make and model of the car that you currently drive. Though you might love your current car, it really could be costing you thousands of extra dollars each and every year. What type of car do you need to change to? Well, for example, one that is less likely to be stolen. Another example would be cars with inbuilt safety features; they also cost less to insure.
Driving offences : Essentially, the better your driving record is, the cheaper your car insurance premiums will be. This is because you will be considered a low-risk driver; one who is unlikely to cause an accident. If you have a poor driving record, then it is definitely worth your while putting the time and effort in to making amends for it. The longer it was since your last offence, the less bearing it will have. Also, you can take an advanced driving course to show that you are now a better driver.
Your address : Your insurance premiums are affected by how an insurance company rates the city you live in, or even the particular street that you live on. Whether this works out in your favor or not is a bit of a lottery. If you live in a low-crime area, and one where there are few car accidents each year, then your car insurance rates will be reduced accordingly. If you live in a high risk area, you could easily find yourself paying twice as much as some who lives in a nearby city.
Your occupation : Having a job that requires you to do a lot of driving will increase your car insurance premiums. People who are retired, unemployed, or work from home can all be eligible for discounts. Of course, you cannot change your job just to get cheaper car insurance, but there are a couple of things to consider. Using public transport more often is one option and asking your company to provide you with a company car is another.
So, those are the important factors that determine the rate of your car insurance premiums. Phone your insurance company as soon as there is a change in your circumstances / lifestyle that you feel entitles you to cheaper car insurance. They should oblige and offer you a discount; if not, then phone some rival companies and try to do a deal with them.
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Mark Walters on April 6th 2011 in Car Insurance