No one wants to overpay for auto insurance. It’s clear; anytime prices are going up, people want to know why. Here at Skeele Insurance Agency, we provide you with clear information about what’s impacting your insurance rates. Most of the time, we can quickly pinpoint what’s impacting your rate. That speeding ticket, for example, could be a factor.
However, everyone is going to face rate changes from time-to-time outside of their range of control. To be clear, we always can tell you why rates are up. Sometimes, there isn’t much you can do to reduce your risk factors, though.
Let’s provide a few key examples of things you really can’t change that are impacting what you are paying right now for car insurance in Upstate New York.
Your Age, Gender, and Other Factors
Younger drivers have less experience and more daring driving habits. That means an increased risk of an accident resulting in a claim. Seniors may see rates increase, too. You’ll pay the least when you are middle-aged.
Data also tells us that males are more likely than females to be involved in reckless driving incidents. That’s not based on anything other than data on claims filed. Young men, then, especially those aged 16 to 21, are likely to pay more.
Another thing you may not think about is being married. Once you settle down into married life, you’re more likely to be a safe driver. That’s another reason your rates fall around mid-life.
Your City and Neighborhood
What route do you take to work each day? Does it involve busy intersections and high-speed roadways? Are there any areas where you know an accident is going to happen at least a few times a month? These are areas insurance companies know about, too. How safe your community is in terms of accident claims plays a role in what you’ll pay.
Another side to that is the risk to property in your area. In some communities, there’s higher theft and vandalism. That boosts rates especially if those events happen on your street or in your neighborhood. Living near a police station, on the other hand, can help to drop your rates.
Your Vehicle Itself
Another thing to think about is your car itself. Unless you plan to buy something new (and if you do, let our team help you price out insurance beforehand) you can’t control your insurance costs as they relate to your vehicle.
For example, a larger vehicle is more expensive to replace if stolen. A vehicle with higher-end features, such as onboard electronics or hard-to-replace decals, is going to cost a bit more to repair after an accident. You may also find that some vehicles, such as high-end luxury cars, cost more because of the way people drive them. It’s easy to see this when someone purchases a high-speed sports car. It’s commonly driven at high speeds, increasing the risk of an accident.
Think about the liability factor, too. If you own a large SUV, you’ll do a significantly higher amount of damage to someone’s property or vehicle if you cause an accident. In some cases, it may be necessary to adjust your liability coverage to match that risk.
Here’s the good news. In nearly all situations, you control the biggest factors impacting what you pay for auto insurance. If you have a rate that’s too high or one that you don’t understand, give our team a call. Let us answer all of your rate questions.