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Many factors can affect your auto insurance rates, including location, driving record, vehicle and credit score. You can reduce your premium by choosing a low-mileage car, taking defensive driving courses and purchasing multiple policies from the same company.
GEICO offers cheap liability coverage for minimum and full-coverage drivers. It also has discounts for professional and alumni associations.
Rates are based on your driving record.
If you have a good driving record, you are likely to get cheaper car insurance rates than someone who has a bad one. This is because drivers with a history of traffic violations or accidents are considered high-risk, and insurance companies will charge higher premiums to insure them.
Drivers who have a clean record can expect to pay an average of $80 per month for car insurance, while those with a poor record can see their premiums rise by an average of $422. Every speeding ticket and fender bender adds up to big bucks, so keeping your record clean is crucial if you want to keep your rates low.
Some insurers will extend discounts for drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits through telematics programs or by remaining claims-free. These types of discounts are available from a number of companies, so it pays to comparison shop to find the best one for you.
For example, GEICO offers DriveEasy, a driving-tracking program that lets you monitor your driving on a mobile app and receive personalized auto insurance rates based on your skills. The company also offers several other discounts that could help you save on your auto insurance.
Getting a good driving record is important for many reasons. For starters, having a bad driving record can make it harder to get a job or rent an apartment. It can also affect your credit score, which is an important factor in determining your insurance costs.
It is also important to keep in mind that a single accident can cause your insurance rates to go up for several years, even when the accident was your fault. However, most insurers will only check your driving record three to five years before deciding to renew your policy or offer you new coverage.
The other reason that your driving record can be an issue is when you have a history of infractions, such as a DUI. This is especially true if you have more than one offense on your record or if the offenses are for dangerous behavior, like driving under the influence.
They are based on your vehicle.
Your vehicle is one of the most important factors that determine your car insurance rate. The make, model, trim, year and body type all play a role in how much you’ll pay for coverage.
Typically, more expensive cars are more likely to be stolen or damaged and thus cost more to insure. Insurers also charge more for vehicles that have custom parts or require skilled technicians to repair.
The value of your car – The price of the vehicle itself (MSRP) plays a part in your auto insurance rates. A newer, more expensive car tends to have higher values, which means it’s more likely to be totaled if you get in an accident and need to be repaired.
Safety ratings – A safe car is less likely to be in an accident, which lowers your insurance rate. Some insurers use apps that monitor your driving habits and reward drivers who demonstrate a pattern of good driving.
Mileage logged – Drivers who drive less than 12,000 miles a year will typically pay lower rates than those who drive more. Some insurers even offer pay-per-mile options, where you only pay for the number of miles you actually drive.
Insurers also consider a vehicle’s age, whether or not it’s been involved in an accident and how much your vehicle is worth. If your car has a high depreciation value, you could save money by buying a used vehicle instead of a brand-new one.
Your car’s safety rating – If your vehicle is safer than the average, it will be less likely to be damaged or stolen. Insurers also may offer discounts for vehicles with better safety ratings, such as those that have airbags and anti-lock brakes.
You can save on your premium by shopping around and asking for quotes from at least three insurance companies. Providing similar information to each company will ensure you receive the most accurate quotes.
Some insurers may also offer discounts for certain groups or organizations you belong to, customer loyalty or for your vehicle’s safety features. Be sure to ask each company about any discounts you’re eligible for when shopping for your policy.
They are based on your credit score.
Insurance companies use your credit score to calculate how much you’ll pay for car insurance. The higher your credit score, the lower your premium. In addition, your credit score will affect other factors that determine your auto insurance rates including the type of vehicle you drive and the level of coverage you choose.
Insurance scores are calculated by analyzing a person’s credit history and how they manage their money, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC says that consumers who are financially responsible tend to file fewer insurance claims, so auto insurers use this information when determining their rates.
However, some states prohibit this practice. For example, California, Hawaii and Massachusetts do not allow credit scores to be used in deciding auto insurance rates.
Some states also don’t allow certain types of insurance to be sold based on credit, such as life or health insurance. So, if you live in one of these states and are interested in getting a car insurance policy that doesn’t rely on your credit score, there are some things you can do to reduce the impact that credit will have on your rates.
Boost your credit score: You can improve your credit by making timely payments on bills, paying off debts and keeping up with bill payments. If you have a low credit score, improving your credit can help you secure a better rate and save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Increase your credit limit: If you have a low credit limit on your credit card or other loan, consider increasing the limit. You could pay less for your insurance, since a lower credit limit means that your debt is spread over a larger amount of credit, which makes you less likely to be in default on your bills.
Buy a car from an affordable car dealership: When purchasing a new or used car, consider the cost of the car insurance premiums associated with that vehicle. You’ll want to compare car insurance quotes from a variety of insurers before making your decision.
Get a good deal: Many insurers offer discounts when you get multiple policies with them. You can also save a bundle by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with the same company.
They are based on your insurance needs.
When it comes to buying cheap auto insurance, there is no one size fits all. Your rates can vary based on several factors, including your driving record and the type of vehicle you drive.
Having a good driving record is key to getting the lowest car insurance rates. If you have a history of speeding tickets, accidents and citations for driving under the influence (DUI), insurers view you as a high risk driver.
If you have a clean driving record and are willing to take steps to improve your safety, then getting cheap car insurance may be an option for you. Having the proper coverage can prevent you from spending thousands of dollars out of pocket in case of an accident.
You can also lower your car insurance premiums by taking advantage of discounts. These range from driver loyalty discounts to multi-policy or bundling discounts.
These incentives can help you save up to 10% on your policy. Many companies offer these types of discounts to their loyal customers who stick with them for a long period of time.
In addition to lowering your rate, you might also qualify for savings if you take a defensive driving course or install certain safety features in your vehicle. These can include alarms and other security systems.
It’s a good idea to get personalized quotes from at least three different insurance providers before making a decision. This will ensure you’re comparing apples to apples, and can help you find the right policy at the best price for your specific needs.
The state you live in is another factor that can affect your car insurance. Generally, drivers in more urban areas pay higher car insurance rates than those in rural or small towns.
This is because urban areas are more likely to be prone to theft, vandalism and auto accidents. If you live in a less populated area, your rates might be lower as well.
You can also reduce your rates by dropping collision and comprehensive coverage if you don’t use your car much or if the actual cash value of your car doesn’t justify that expense. Dropping these coverages will leave you with a higher deductible to pay out of pocket for any claims you make.
