What You Need To Know About Car Insurance
Many factors influence the premium for your automobile insurance policy. Your insurance company have asked you many questions whilst producing your quote – some of which will affect your premium and some not. Below we discuss the main variables that are under the control of the insured.
Location
A great influence on the cost of your car insurance is where you live. The chance of your car being broken into or stolen is a major concern for the insurer. More urban areas that traditionally experience a greater risk of theft and therefore tend to be more expensive than rural communities.
Surplus
By agreeing to pay a greater excess on each claim, you can reduce your auto insurance premiums. Because you are reducing the liability of the insurer and therefore in return they are able to offer a lower premium.
Your vehicle
The cheaper and slower your vehicle the lower your premiums are likely to be. If you are looking to buy a new vehicle sure to take fully into account the cost of insurance – you may be able to buy the car, but can you afford to run?
Consolidation Policy
By providing a number of vehicles with the same insurer, or trying to take out home insurance and life insurance for your car, you may be able to obtain a reduction to “buy in bulk.
Parking
When you park your vehicle overnight is also very important for insurers. If it is kept in a locked garage, you should offer a lower premium if you leave it unattended in the street.
Mileage
You can control your insurance premiums by restricting your annual mileage. However, be aware that if you exceed the restricted number of miles you then become uninsured!
Security
Safety devices that prevent or hinder theft May also reduce your premium. Common examples are the alarms and immobilisers, however, be aware that while we are improving the quality of our security devices the thieves just do the best work around.
No requirement Discount
Save up your no discount by avoiding making small claims claims on your policy. After a number of years, 4 or 5 typically, you’ll often be offered the option of paying a small additional premium to protect your no claims bonus. This can be very useful if you end following an accident.
Your sex.
Women are statistically less likely to have an accident and, if they do, it is less likely to be serious. Because of these statistics women benefit from lower premiums. It is also interesting to note that if you represent one half of a couple you should consider the female as the primary driver with the male as the second driver.
Advanced driving skills
By taking an advanced driving course, you may be able to reduce your premiums. The Institute for Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents each offer membership which offers discounts for both the cost of driving courses and your car insurance premiums. Two key variables beyond the control of the policyholder.
Your age
The older you are, the less likely you are to make a claim. As a result insurance companies charging premiums lower for more mature drivers.
One last tip.
A large percentage of car insurance is now sold on the Internet. That’s because it’s convenient and cheap. Many insurers now give another 10% -15% discount if you buy online.
