Do you ever wonder why your car insurance premium just went up even though you haven’t had a ticket or an accident in the past year? When shopping around for car insurance in San Diego, CA, it’s important to keep in mind the things that impact your premiums. While some of these are beyond your control, it’s a good idea to be aware of the ones you can change. Take a look at these 6 factors that can affect your car insurance premium.
Age and Gender
Both your age and gender are factors in determining your insurance rates. Insurance companies have found that drivers under the age of 21 are more likely to be involved in an accident or get tickets than those over 21. Your premiums should decrease after you turn 21 if you’ve had no accidents or tickets. Also, young men usually incur higher rates than young women. Statistically, more male teens are involved in accidents than young females.
The Car You Drive
Insurance companies look at your vehicle’s safety rating, the vehicle's size, the age of the vehicle, any safety features on the vehicle, and how likely it is to be stolen. They also consider the price of the car and how expensive it would be to repair it if it were in an accident. Generally, the more expensive the car, the pricier your insurance will be. Let your insurer know if you have any anti-theft devices, like a car alarm, on your vehicle.
Driving Record
A long and safe driving record makes you a much lower risk to insurance companies. Even if you weren't at fault for an accident, your auto insurance rates might increase. If you’ve been accident-free for over three years, you should ask your insurer about a discount.
Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the biggest factors impacting your insurance rate. In general, the lower your credit score, the higher your insurance premium. Getting your credit in order can be a good place to start when trying to lower your insurance premiums. Only three states - California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts - prohibit insurers from considering credit when setting premiums.
Driving Habits
How many miles you drive in an average day or year and how you use your car - for commuting, pleasure, or both - can affect how much you pay for insurance. If you’re a low-mileage driver (less than 10,000 miles per year), you’ll probably pay less than individuals who use their car for work and are on the road a lot. Commuters also often pay more for their insurance because they drive in heavy traffic and are at a higher risk for an accident.
Where You Live
The neighborhood you live in can impact your auto insurance rate. Because the majority of accidents occur close to your home, insurance companies consider accident rates, break-ins, and car thefts for your area. It can also be more expensive to repair damage to cars in some locations than in others.
If you’re looking for the best San Diego auto insurance, call California Brokerage Associates at (619) 283-9999 or visit www.southerncaliforniaautoinsurance.com. We’re experts in finding the right coverage tailored just for you.