The cost of insurance can vary widely between providers and individuals. While insurance rates are calculated based on actuarial data and statistics, there are several key factors that affect how much you pay for coverage. Understanding what goes into determining your insurance premiums can help you make choices that may lower your rates.
Factors That Determine Your Insurance Rates
Age
Age is one of the main rating factors for auto and life insurance. In general, younger drivers and individuals represent higher risks, so they tend to pay more for coverage. As you get older, insurance rates typically decrease. For example, once you reach 25 years old, auto insurance rates start to go down as you are seen as more responsible and less likely to engage in risky driving behaviors. Life insurance rates start to rise as you enter your 60s and 70s.
Driving Record
Your driving history has a major impact on what you pay for auto insurance. Getting tickets, being involved in accidents, and having your license suspended will drive up insurance costs. Maintaining a clean driving record with no citations or accidents for 3-5 years can help lower your rates significantly. Going too long without auto insurance can also increase rates.
Location
Where you live is a key rating factor for home and auto insurance. If you reside in an area with higher crime rates, more severe weather events, and higher accident rates, you’ll generally pay more for coverage. Urban areas also tend to have higher insurance rates than suburban or rural zones. Your insurance score may factor location into determining your rates.
Credit Score
Most insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help set premiums. Customers with poor credit tend to file more claims than those with excellent credit. So having a good credit score can help lower insurance costs. Improving your credit and maintaining on-time payments can benefit your insurance rate over time.
Prior Claims History
If you’ve filed multiple claims within a few years, insurance companies see you as more of a risk. This often results in increased premiums, particularly after major claims. Having no prior claims or gaps between claims can help demonstrate that you are a less risky customer to insure. Going a few years without filing a claim may help improve your rates.
Marital Status
Your marital status can influence auto and home insurance rates. Married individuals often pay less for coverage than single policyholders. That’s because data shows married couples typically file fewer claims. Combining home or auto insurance policies with your spouse may also lower premiums through bundling discounts.
Vehicle Type
The year, make, and model of car you drive impacts insurance costs. In general, insuring luxury vehicles, sports cars, SUVs, and high-performance models is more expensive because they cost more to repair and carry greater liability. Older vehicles may have higher premiums if they lack modern safety equipment. Insuring a minivan or sedan is often cheaper.
Driving Habits
How much you drive and the typical distances you cover affect your auto insurance rate. Policyholders with longer commutes and who drive more than 15,000 miles annually tend to have higher premiums. Driving less than 7,500 miles per year can qualify you for low mileage discounts. Using your vehicle for business or ride-sharing also increases your risk profile.
Home Value and Size
The value, age, and square footage of your home determine the rebuilding costs and impact the premiums for homeowner’s insurance. More expensive houses typically cost more to insure. Older roofs, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems also increase premiums if they need repairs or replacement. Luxury finishes like marble counters and hardwood floors add to rebuilding expenses.
Insurance Score
Insurance companies analyze your credit report to calculate a score that helps predict the likelihood of filing claims. Factors include payment history, debts owed, types of credit used, new lines of credit, and length of credit history. Those with poor insurance scores pay more; improving your score can lower premiums.
Policy Limits and Deductibles
Choosing higher deductibles and lower policy limits helps reduce insurance rates. Taking on more out-of-pocket risk results in lower premiums. However, experts recommend not skimping too much on coverage to avoid insufficient protection. Find balance between adequate coverage and cost savings when selecting limits and deductibles.
Discounts
Taking advantage of all available discounts is a smart strategy to lower insurance premiums. Multi-policy and multi-car discounts provide 5-15% savings for bundling home and auto policies with one company. Low mileage, safe driver, good student, anti-theft, and anti-lock brake discounts are some auto insurance savings opportunities. Home insurance discounts include alarm systems, retiree, new home, and renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest factors affecting insurance rates?
The top factors that determine your insurance premiums include your age, driving record, credit score, location, prior claims history, vehicle type, home value and size. Maintaining a clean driving record, good credit score, and choosing adequate policy limits help lower insurance costs.
How can I get the best insurance rates?
To get lower insurance rates, drive safely to avoid tickets and accidents, choose a reliable vehicle with good safety ratings, take a defensive driver course, raise your credit score, increase deductibles/lower limits, obtain all available discounts, choose a higher home deductible, and compare quotes regularly.
Do rates go down at a certain age?
Yes, insurance rates decrease as you enter different age ranges. For auto insurance, rates start dropping around age 25, with bigger declines at 40, 50, and 55 depending on the insurer. For life insurance, rates start to increase at age 50 but remain lower than at younger ages until around age 70.
How quickly does my driving record impact insurance rates?
Violations like DUI’s, reckless driving tickets, and at-fault accidents dramatically increase insurance rates immediately. Minor tickets and claims may take 1-3 years to improve rates. Typically, 3-5 years with a clean record is needed to significantly lower premiums after a violation.
If I switch insurers, will my old claims history affect my new rate?
Yes, most insurers share details about your claims history through an industry database. So prior claims will impact rates with a new provider. But comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help find the best rate with your claims record. Shopping around is wise if you have prior claims.
Can I negotiate my insurance rates?
You may be able to negotiate insurance rates, especially if a competitor is offering a better price. Let your insurer know you are considering switching and provide the competitor’s quote. Also emphasize any improvements you’ve made, like taking a safety course, improving your credit score, or installing anti-theft devices. They may lower your rate to retain your business.
Final Thoughts
The cost of insurance is based on how companies evaluate your level of risk. Keeping a clean driving record, improving your credit score, choosing the right policy limits and deductibles, and comparing rates from several providers are all effective ways to help lower your insurance premiums. Understanding the key factors that impact rates allows you to make smart financial decisions and get the best coverage at the lowest available price.
