4 Things Besides Bad Driving That Can Cause Higher Auto Insurance Quotes
Did you know that your driving record is not the only thing that can impact your car insurance rates? There several other factors that can influence the insurance quotes that are extended to drivers. It is wise for drivers to know what those factors are. This can equate to savings on insurance premiums. It can also educate drivers on areas of their lifestyle that they can improve to get better rates in the future. The following points represent other factors that may affect car insurance quotes.
Credit Score
These scores impact more than your financial life. Many insurers pull credit scores as part of their premium quote process. Although the requests are not hard inquiries, the insurers who use this model may give higher quotes to drivers with poor credit or no credit. If you discover that the insurance company you have chosen uses this practice, you can request copies of your credit reports to review their accuracy. You can attempt to get inaccuracies deleted. This could lower your rates.
Age Group
Young drivers and elderly drivers usually have higher auto insurance quotes. Young drivers have not exhibited proof that they are safe drivers. Driving safely and avoiding accidents can result in lower rates as they get older. Elderly individuals might notice a spike in their insurance premiums because of potential age-related factors such as visual acuity, coordination, and response time. Both of these age groups might be able to lower their rates by completing a defensive driving course.
Vehicle Type and Upgrades
The newer your vehicle, the higher your insurance will likely be. This is because if an accident occurs, the repairs will cost more than they would for an older vehicle. Drivers with vehicles that have been enhanced with upgrades might also have higher premiums. Some upgrades can raise the value of vehicles. Insurance companies reimburse based on vehicle value.
Insurance Lapses
This is one of the most serious things that drivers can do. Allowing your insurance to lapse is something that an auto insurance company can identify. The issue with allowing insurance to lapse is that it makes drivers appear to be high-risk. The rates can be even higher if a driver is involved in an accident while driving uninsured.
An auto insurance agent or broker is a good resource to use to understand more about quotes. They can help you identify which factors might be causing you to have high quotes. This can help you to know the steps you can take to improve your quotes. Contact a company like Illinois Insurance Center Inc to learn more.