Lower Those Auto Insurance Premiums

By Susan Reynolds

Trying to keep your car insurance premiums from going up can be like playing a game for which no one tells you the rules. One important factor is your credit. Insurance companies will check your credit score, because studies have shown there's a direct relationship between a person's credit score and the odds you would file a claim. If you've had good payment histories on your credit accounts and don't open and close accounts frequently, you present less of risk to the insurer. This is evidence to them that you are dependable and stable. This is a major factor in determining your insurance rate.

Therefore your car insurance risk score is likely going to be related to your credit score. That being the case, if you have had unusual credit activity recently, it would be wise to wait until a month after it has stopped and your credit activity has returned to normal before trying to buy car insurance. Most car insurance companies use a method of calculating car insurance risk devised by the Car Insurance Services Office. It begins by taking the cost of the vehicle as a base and then factoring in safety and theft data for that make and model of car.

Another thing you can do, and frankly you should be doing it anyway, is to avoid accidents on the road. Besides the expenses involved in the accidents themselves, car insurance companies will unflinchingly raise your insurance premiums up if you're proven to be at fault for a recent driving accident. If this has already happened to you, then don't despair. You can still work your way back down to lower premiums, it will just take a long time of driving safely. Avoiding accidents and other traffic altercations will save you money and trouble in every possible way.

Note: Accident "forgiveness" - some auto insurers offer a first accident "forgiveness"; they will not increase your premiums for your first accident. Check with your company to see if they offer this coverage and how you can qualify. Did your friend borrow your car and have an accident? You'll have to file a claim unless their own insurance covers them. If they are uninsured, and the damages exceed your coverage, the injured party may take legal action against you for damages and injuries. On the other hand, if your friend did not have permission to borrow your car you won't be held liable in many cases.

Each auto insurance company figures the worth of a vehicle in a different manner. All of them keep their own lists of car values (like the Blue Book list). Some companies may ask local car dealers what they'd charge for a particular vehicle. Gap insurance might be worth purchasing, as it might pay the difference between what your insurer will pay and what you actually owe. Keep any maintenance records you have, especially of oil changes and routine checks by a qualified mechanic, or special parts, or upgrades. These will be factors in figuring what gap insurance will pay.

If you feel that your car insurance company drastically undervalues your car, don't worry, there are measures you can take to remedy the situation. Gap insurance exists for just such times, and will cover the other expenses your car insurance company is ordinarily unwilling to cover. It can make a big difference and save your neck when your bad luck places your damages at just a bit over the coverage your policy offers.

Note: You can wait to add your teen driver until they are licensed. While operating under a "learner's permit" your teen does not need to be on your coverage, thus saving you money. However, do NOT forget to add them as soon as they become licensed. If you delay, you'll have to pay the higher premium retroactively to the date they got their license. Note: When changing insurance carriers, be sure to cancel your previous coverage in writing. The easiest way is to give your insurance agent a call. They'll even complete the cancellation paperwork and send it to you for signature. Be sure to give the exact date your new coverage begins, so that you do not have a lapse in coverage. - 21396

About the Author:

Susan Reynolds is the content coordinator for a leading South African Insurance Provider who specialises in Car Insurance Options.