Car insurance is a vital investment, potentially saving you from financial ruin if you’ve been involved in an accident. Of course, no one wants to pay more than necessary for the coverage they need, which is why it helps to know how insurers calculate premiums. In some cases, knowing the factors that influence insurance rates can give you the information needed to reduce costs without sacrificing coverage.

What Factors Influence Car Insurance Rates?

1. Your Driving Record

Insurance companies generally assume that drivers with speeding tickets or accidents on their records are more likely to cause an accident. If you’ve been pulled over in the past, taking an approved driver’s safety course may get points taken off your license and could result in lower insurance premiums.

2. The Vehicle You Drive

Larger, heavier vehicles are capable of causing more damage in an accident, so they’re generally more expensive to insure. Car insurance companies might also charge more to cover vehicles prone to rolling over while offering discounted rates to autos with advanced safety features and superior crash ratings.

3. Your City’s Traffic & Crime Rates

Where you live may also have an impact on your car insurance rates. For instance, drivers in big cities will likely pay more for coverage than others with similar vehicles in a small town. The crime rate in your neighborhood may also affect the cost if you’re buying comprehensive insurance, which covers theft, vandalism, and vehicle break-ins.

4. Your Age

Because of a lack of experience behind the wheel, younger drivers are more likely to cause accidents than their older counterparts. Most auto insurance carriers take this risk into account, usually charging more to insure teens and drivers in their 20s and gradually dropping rates as drivers age.

As a dedicated State Farm® agent, Tim Bryan Insurance provides high-quality, personalized coverage backed by one of the top carriers in the nation. Drivers throughout Andalusia, AL, rely on this respected agency to protect what matters most, with car insurance policies designed to shield them from whatever the road throws your way. To request your free quote, call their office at (334) 222-1460, or visit them online with your insurance questions.