Insurance 101: Understanding car insurance premiums

December 17, 2014

Understanding what insurers look at when they calculate auto insurance premiums can help drivers find ways to save on their insurance costs. Here are the most common factors affecting premiums:

Age, sex and marital status – People under 25 years old are more likely to get into an accident, so rates will be higher for young adults. Males and single individuals have higher premiums as well.

The car you drive – A Porsche isn’t going to be cheap to insure since fixing it after an accident would cost much more than a typical sedan like the Ford Focus or Honda Civic. Cars that are commonly stolen (such as the Civic or Toyota Camry) might also come with a higher premium.

Your driving record – Expect to see a premium increase for every violation or accident you have had. Luckily, these only affect premiums for three to five years after they occur.

Your driving habits – Driving more miles or using the vehicle for business can increase your rates.

Your coverage limits – Higher limits are often advisable (accidents can be extremely expensive), but they result in higher premiums. A low deductible also raises your premium.

Want to explore more ways to save on auto insurance premiums? Contact Long & Foster Insurance today for information.