There are many well-known factors that can go into your car insurance premiums, but there are also a lot of factors that drivers tend to overlook or simply not know about.
While these factors may not have as heavy an influence on the cost of your car insurance as others, it can still be useful to know why the cost of your insurance suddenly changes.
Safety Features
Adding safety features even on an older vehicle can lower your car insurance rates. This is because adding safety features such as an anti-theft system can reduce the risk of having to file a claim on your car insurance policy. On the contrary, having a vehicle that is rated low on safety means that you could pay more for car insurance.
Marital Status
Believe it or not, being married—and thus, any changes in your marital status—can affect your car insurance rates. On average, married drivers tend to pay less for car insurance. However, divorced and widowed drivers may see a spike in their car insurance rates.
Education
A driver’s level of education may still have effect in some states, but others have strayed away from this influence. Still, you may see a difference in your car insurance premiums depending on how high or low your education level is.
Where You Keep Your Vehicle
If you keep your vehicle in a garage, you could spend less on car insurance than if you keep your vehicle parked on the street. This is because keeping your vehicle covered and hidden can lower the risk of damage caused by falling objects, hail, theft and vandalism. If possible, keep your vehicle covered or in an enclosed space while it isn’t being used.
How Often Your Drive
Some drivers may know that the amount they drive can affect the cost of their insurance. This is because a few insurers offer discounts for those who drive less. The more you drive, the more likely you are to get in an accident. This also applies to how far you drive. If you frequently travel out of state for work or vacation, you could pay more for car insurance than someone who simply uses their vehicle to commute to and from work.
Be sure to ask your insurance agent about discounts and other ways you can save money on car insurance.