3 Events That Can Affect your Auto Insurance Rate
While your driving record is a major factor (and in some states the major factor) in the rate you pay for auto insurance, it is certainly not the only factor. Because Auto Insurance (and most other insurance) rates are derived by dividing customers into groups and charging some groups higher rates than others (a process known as rating classification), some factors which you may have not suspected can have a big impact on your auto insurance rate. The three that immediately come to mind are:
• Turning 25 years old. Most carriers have surcharged “young driver” rates which are significantly higher than those charged to more mature drivers. These surcharges diminish over time and decrease significantly by age 25, although age does affect the rate beyond that.
• Getting married. Experience shows that married drivers have (on average) fewer accidents than single drivers and therefore pay a lower rate.
• Relocation. Where you live and where you operate your automobile still has a major impact on your auto insurance rates. If you move from the mid-west to New Jersey and nothing else changes, be prepared for a significant rate increase. Why? New Jersey drivers have a much greater accident frequency than other states. Claims cost is therefore much greater…and so are premiums.
While these are factors that will impact your rate, one does not usually consider them in making the decision to relocate or to get married and your age is not within your control. Other factors that may impact your rate is number of miles driven, use of the vehicle, make and model of the vehicle and other drivers in your household.
This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.