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 clients into groups and charging some groups higher rates than others, 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 are often insignificant by age 25.

• Getting married. Experience shows that married drivers have (on average) fewer accidents than single drivers and so 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.

Flooding can happen anywhere and at any time. Many people assume that their homes will be safe if they do not live near a large body of water, but that is simply not true. Homes on the east and west coast, such as prime coastal Californian real estate often attract eager buyers for the views, but a new buyer’s mind rarely weighs the possibility of elemental threats such as wind, fire, or water damage. Again, even if there is no apparent threat of flood, record breaking rains and a blocked drainage system can spell disaster in any neighborhood. Large thunderstorms, hurricanes, even melting snow can also build up enough water to cause a flood. These events can have catastrophic consequences to your home and your belongings. If you think that your home is covered for flood under your homeowner’s policy, please check your policy. Flood damage is not covered by the typical homeowner’s insurance policy.

Flood damage is often excluded from a homeowner’s insurance policy and savvy homeowners will know that to fully protect their home and their belongings inside, they will need supplemental insurance; in this case, flood insurance. If you have moved to a new home or are reassessing your current homeowner’s insurance policy, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy. Research what amount is right to cover your home and your possessions and know that a natural disaster such as a flood can be covered by insurance.

PoliSeek.com, one of the nation’s largest personal lines insurance agencies, would like to help you with your policy needs no matter where in the United States you live! We make it easy to compare flood insurance quotes to find the best combination of coverage and price for you.

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.