Auto insurance rates have been rising recently, substantially outpacing overall inflation. U.S. Department of Labor data shows the widely adopted measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, is 3.7% higher than it was a year ago. Meanwhile, the DOL price index for motor vehicle insurance is 18.9% higher over this same period.
Key contributors to auto insurance price increases are higher costs of motor vehicle repairs and maintenance, as well as more frequent accidents and increased litigation. While consumers cannot fully control their car insurance premiums because of these factors, there are still steps you can take to save money.
What Contributes To A Driver’s Auto Insurance Premium?
Driver characteristics are important in establishing your auto policy premium. Younger drivers can expect to pay higher rates due to inexperience behind the wheel. Male drivers generally pay higher rates, though a handful of states prohibit the use of gender in setting premiums. Consumers with lower credit scores can also expect higher auto insurance rates in most states. While controversial, insurers like Allstate point to how low credit scores are predictive of the likelihood a customer makes a claim.
Where the insured individual lives and garages the vehicle also matters as risks vary substantially due to geography. Personal driving records including past tickets and accidents additionally factor into an insurance premium. Individuals with prior moving violations or claims can expect to pay higher rates, as will drivers with more expensive vehicles.
What Can Drivers Do To Save Money?
Some items that factor into auto insurance rates are easier to control than others. Age and credit scores cannot be raised quickly in an attempt to get better rates. Drivers cannot easily move to a city or state where prices are lower. Drivers can, however, easily comparison shop, through insurer websites. While convenient, this approach may not be ideal given there is limited guidance from an insurance professional. Independent insurance agents can provide quotes for many carriers at one time and do the comparison shopping on behalf of the client. One phone call can therefore result in many options across many reputable insurance carriers.
Some insurance programs, such as Allstate’s
ALL
PGR
Consumers may also consider raising their auto insurance deductibles, the amount the driver pays out of pocket prior to collecting from the insurer after a claim. While doing so can lower your premium, this decision should be made with caution. Raising the deductible too much can leave drivers with high bills following an accident or loss.
Insurers also offer a number of discounts. To earn a multipolicy discount, consider bundling your auto insurance coverage with your homeowners policy. Students may get a discount for having good grades or for earning an advanced degree. Active and retired military service members often qualify for lower rates. Certain administrative actions such as paying the full policy premium up front or enrolling in paperless statements can also reduce expenses.
Rising prices have permeated the economy, and auto insurance costs are no exception. While much of those rate hikes are beyond the consumer’s control, there are still these opportunities for you to save. However, failing to maintain adequate coverage or shopping on price alone is not advisable. Speak to a trusted and licensed agent to discover other ways to manage your policy.
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