How are auto insurance rates determined?

The auto insurance rates are determined by a number of factors. In some of the states, the state’s insurance commission that regulates the auto insurance carriers set the auto insurance rates. In other states, there are various factors that influence the auto insurance rates. Prior to buying auto insurance, it is best to compare rates offered by different insurance carriers so that you are in a position to settle for a good deal. A good deal means your auto insurance policy should provide adequate coverage and do justice to the amount you shell out as premium.

The factors that determine the auto insurance rates are as follows –

1. Model of the car If you are driving a vehicle that is very expensive, you have to pay more as premium. If your expense involved in repairing your car is astronomical, your premium will also be higher.

2. Gender Male drivers have to pay more as auto insurance premium as compared to female drivers because females are less prone to accidents.

3. How do you use your car? The more you use the car, higher will be the auto insurance premium that you will have to pay.

4. Drivers’ age If you are below 25 years and above 65 years, you are more prone to accidents and this makes your auto insurance premium escalate.

5. Driving record You must have a sound driving record and have less number of speeding tickets to your credit. You must have also violated driving rules less. Under such circumstances, you can demand an auto insurance premium that is less.

6. Previous claims Your auto insurance carrier will find out whether you have made any claims before. If it is found that you have made claims before and you were responsible for the accidents, you will be considered as a high risk driver. As such, you will have to pay higher auto insurance premium.

7. Place where you reside If you reside in a congested area or at a place where crime rate is high, chances of theft becomes higher. As such the amount you pay as premium also increases manifold.

8. Type of coverage It is mandatory to have liability coverage but if you want to avail more coverage than this, you will have to pay more. Collision, fire, theft, vandalism etc are some of the options you can avail.

9. Deductibles Paying higher deductibles will ensure that you pay less in auto insurance premium.

Following the credit crunch, a lot of anomalous activities have been reported in the auto insurance industry. The incidence of Barbecuing a Beamer, a common form of insurance fraud has increased over the months. In this the owner of the vehicle intentionally sets the vehicle on fire to claim the compensation.

Reports also suggest that owing to the credit crisis, more and more people are compromising on auto insurance coverage to save costs. This in turn is extending inadequate coverage to the auto insurance policyholders.

Have you been involved in some type of accident in the Twin Cities region? Our Minneapolis accident attorney firm is ready to help you get the money you deserve.