2/13/10

Factors influencing auto insurance rates

Insurance companies and industry groups are saying the recall of more than 8 million Toyota cars and trucks shouldn't have an impact on insurance rates. The price of auto insurance is determined by many factors, and isn't limited to just the model you drive, the cost to fix it and its overall safety record.
The Insurance Information Institute, a trade group for the insurance industry, said the average driver pays about $850 a year in insurance. Your bill can be influenced by several factors:
DRIVING RECORD
The more accidents and serious traffic violations you have, the more you'll pay. You may also pay more if you haven't been insured for a number of years.
MILES DRIVEN
The more miles you drive, the more chance for accidents, the more you'll pay. If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, you will pay less. Some companies will give discounts to policyholders who carpool.
WHERE YOU LIVE
Insurance companies look at local trends, such as the number of accidents, car thefts and lawsuits, as well as the cost of medical care and car repair.
DRIVER'S AGE
Mature drivers generally have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers. So insurers usually charge more if teenagers or young people below age 25 drive your car.
THE MODEL
Cars that cost more, have high theft rates, cost more to repair or have poor safety records cost more to insure.
DRIVER'S CREDIT
Some insurance companies use credit scores as a factor in insurance rates. Credit-based insurance scores are based on information like payment history, bankruptcies, collections, outstanding debt and length of credit history. Regular, on-time credit card and mortgage payments affect a score positively, while late payments affect a score negatively.
AMOUNT OF COVERAGE
The larger your policy, the more you'll pay. However, you may qualify for discounts. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you have your homeowners and auto insurance policies with them, for example.