Why do you need car insurance?
Auto insurance is a legal requirement for driving a car on public roads. It is there to protect you from potential costs that come with car accidents or theft. It covers your car repair bills, medical expenses, and even legal liabilities if you’re at fault in an accident.
However, it’s important to understand that car insurance isn’t a magic wand and won’t cover everything. For example, if your policy doesn’t include certain types of incidents, or if the damage is a result of your own negligence or unlawful actions, then you’re not covered.
It is, therefore, very important to read through your policy to understand what is and isn’t covered so you can make the most of your car insurance.
Why are car insurance rates higher now?
There has been a recent surge in car insurance rates. There are several factors for these higher rates. Inflation is one factor that affects the price of almost everything. As the general cost of living, including healthcare and car repairs, rises, so does the price of insurance.
Also, the more advanced and more technologically sophisticated cars become, the higher the insurance rates go because they are more expensive to fix. Another aspect is the increase in the frequency and severity of insurance claims, which forces insurance companies to raise their rates.
The rising costs of auto parts and labour contribute to higher rates, too. As cars become increasingly sophisticated, they require more advanced tools to fix them. The rising costs of legal expenses also add to the overall price tag of insurance.
In these circumstances, insurance brokers are constantly juggling to provide comprehensive coverage while trying to keep the premiums affordable for their clients.
What factors can you control when it comes to car insurance?
A lot of people don’t realise that they have quite a bit of control over their car insurance rates. Your driving history is a huge factor. A driving record that is filled with accidents or traffic violations is a red flag to insurance companies, and that results in higher premiums.
The type of car you drive also has a direct impact on your rate. If you drive a high-performance or luxury car, you will pay a higher premium because they are expensive to repair and are more appealing to car-jackers.
Your mileage is another aspect that is in your control. The more you’re on the road, the higher your risk of accidents, and that leads to larger premiums.
Your credit score is yet another factor that you can control. Insurance companies often look at credit scores to determine the likelihood of you making a claim. So, keeping a higher credit score (such as by paying your bills on time) can lower your insurance premiums.
Additionally, making insurance premium payments on time and having an open communication with your insurance agent can result in lower rates.
What factors can’t you control when it comes to car insurance?
While there are many factors that you can manage in lowering your insurance premium, there are still several that are beyond your control. For example, you cannot change your age or driving experience. Younger drivers who are under 25 have bigger rates because of their lack of experience and higher accident risk.
Where you live is another factor that influences your rates (unless you move). Living in areas with high rates of theft, vandalism, or accidents usually means larger insurance rates.
Your gender is another aspect that can impact your insurance rates. Economic conditions, like inflation and rising healthcare costs, indirectly affect your insurance premiums as well.
Even though you cannot change the things that aren’t in your control, being aware of them can help you understand your insurance premiums better.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
There are several steps you can take to lower your car insurance rate. First, you should always shop around and get quotes from as many insurance companies as you can. There can be huge differences in premiums depending on the insurance company.
There are also ways to bundle different types of insurance policies (like renter’s insurance, for instance) that can result in lower premiums and discounts. You can opt for a higher deductible, too—which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in—to lower your insurance premium.
However, you have to be sure you are comfortable paying that deductible in case of a claim. You can also install anti-theft devices that not only add security to your car, but also lower your insurance rates.
As well, the amount of driving you do has a direct impact on your insurance rate. The less you drive, the lower your rate will be. You can also ask your employer or affiliated associations if they have any group insurance policies, which usually result in lower premiums.
Additionally, having multiple cars under one insurance policy can reduce your premiums. It is also a good idea to regularly review your coverage to make sure that it matches your current needs. This way, you won’t pay for coverage that you don’t even need.
Drive Smart and Save Big
Car insurance premiums don’t have to be expensive. There are many factors that are still under your control in lowering your car insurance rate.
As long as you are a good driver, you drive attentively and follow all the traffic laws, you have chosen a car within your budget and lifestyle, and you are making regular and timely payments on your car insurance premium payments, you can effectively lower your insurance rate.
