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3 Types Of Drivers That Pay More For Car Insurance
September 5th, 2010
Many drivers find themselves overpaying for car insurance, usually because they didn't take the time to explore their options. Car insurance companies decide premiums for drivers in slightly different ways that can lead to massive differences in premiums. However, there are some types of drivers that generally pay more for a car insurance policy, regardless of the insurance provider that they choose. Knowing which drivers pay the most can be very helpful, as it provides a way for all drivers to find lower car insurance rates.
The drivers who pay the most for their car insurance policies are those who have had numerous traffic citations or car insurance claims on their records. As the cost of a car insurance policy is heavily based on the likelihood of an accident, drivers who show aggressive behavior or a tendency to drive dangerously on the road are charged more for their policies. This is especially true for drivers who have had major accidents, drivers with DUIs, or drivers who have been charged with an offense like reckless driving. High risk drivers can decrease their car insurance rates substantially by attending safe driving courses, although these are not available in all states, and some car insurance companies don't offer course-related discounts.
Drivers who own dangerous vehicles also find themselves overpaying for car insurance. A dangerous vehicle from an insurance company's point of view is any vehicle with bad safety ratings or high accident statistics. The most dangerous cars tend to be expensive, for instance, sports cars or luxury sedans. Claims for these types of vehicles cost car insurance companies much more money, which leads to additional increases in rates. Many expensive vehicles have high theft rates, and this causes comprehensive coverage to be much more expensive. Drivers with dangerous or expensive vehicles can lower their rates by installing anti-theft devices in their vehicles or by installing safety features like airbags.
Finally, drivers who fall into certain demographic groups can overpay for car insurance. This can be the case even if the driver hasn't had any accidents or traffic citations. For example, if a driver is male and between the ages of 16 and 25, he'll inevitably pay more for insurance, or if the driver is over 65 and female, she may pay much more for certain coverage. There's not much that drivers can do about these factors because age and gender, by definition, are unchangeable. However, drivers who operate their vehicles safely and who look around for the best possible car insurance rates before making a purchase stand the best chance of lowering their premiums to an affordable level.
