It's a common misunderstanding that once you have your car insurance coverage all set up, you're good to go, indefinitely. But it's smart to reach out to your car insurance agent at least once a year to see if you qualify for any discounts, if you can take advantage of new products, or even bundle services together to save some dough.
Additionally, if your current car insurance policy expires or you have a life-altering event, such as moving to a new place or getting married, it is in your best interest to check in on getting a new car insurance quote to make sure you're getting the best possible price.
Touch base with your car insurance agent for updates to your policy if you experience any of these:
You move to a different zip code
You get married
You move in with your family members and combine policies
You raise your credit score
You get a new job
You start driving less
Your get at-fault moving violation or are involved in an accident (within the last 3 years)
Some Factors that Can Affect your Car Insurance Rate
It's a rather simple concept really - car insurance rates are determined by the probability that a company will pay claims on your behalf. The higher your risk to the company, the more you will pay for car insurance.
These are the key factors that affect auto insurance quotes:
Gender, age, and marital status are big factors in calculating car insurance rates. Teenagers and young men younger than 25 years old generally pay more for car insurance, but car insurance for married drivers is cheaper than that of single drivers.
Vehicle: Your insurance rates will be affected by the make, model, and age of your vehicle. Your premium may rise if you have vehicles with higher repair costs and lower safety ratings. Some vehicles are more susceptible to theft, and car affect your car insurance rates.
Driving record: Clear driving records can help you get car insurance discounts. However, car insurance rates will go up for at-fault injuries, moving violations, DUIs, and other serious offenses. You'll pay more if you have more points on your driving record.
How many miles you drive each year: Some companies offer low-mileage discounts for those who drive fewer than a few thousand miles a year. Richard Dean Insurance offer this type of discount through Allstate's Drivewise program.
Credit history Car insurance companies in many states take into account your credit history when setting up premiums. Your car insurance rates can rise if you have a lower credit score.
ZIP code: Car accidents, theft, and vandalism are more common in urban areas.
Deductible and coverage: While a higher level of coverage will increase your overall cost, a lower deductible will reduce your insurance premium.
We understand that it can be overwhelming with everything to consider and take into account when making sure that you're getting the best car insurance rates - this is why we recommend calling your agent (as often as you'd like), but at least once a year to check in on savings available to you and updating any new informations or major life changes.
This is the best way to ensure that you're always getting the best car insurance rates. Give us a call (941) 999-3131 or shoot us an email to set up a time to comb through your coverage. With us, you really are in good hands.