How to Lower the Cost of Your Auto Insurance

With the increasing cost of driving it is smart to understand how you can lower the cost of auto insurance.

One rate does not fit all. Your auto insurance company takes into consideration a variety of factors before they determine the cost of your coverage. The number one factor is your driving record. If you have received very few moving violations, that can be a big help toward getting a lower rate.

Accidents are another factor that can have a powerful effect on the price of your auto insurance. Some people just seem to be accident prone, even if it is determined that they are seldom the responsible party. The auto insurance companies have profiles they apply to drivers with a history of car accidents. If you fall into one of their categories your rate goes up.

Insurance rates add to the monthly cost of owning a car. You cant control the cost of gas or oil, but you can do something about the cost of insurance. One thing under your control is model car you chose to drive. If you are driving a car with a better-that-average safety record you can often save as much as $200 per year.

You can save even more if you chose a car that is not popular with thieves. For example, here is a list the most stolen cars in 2004:

1. 1995 Honda Civic2. 1989 Toyota Camry3. 1991 Honda Accord 4. 1994 Dodge Caravan5. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 pick-up 6. 1997 Ford F150 pickup 7. 2003 Dodge Ram pick-up 8. 1990 Acura Integra 9. 1988 Toyota pick-up10. 1991 Nissan Sentra

If you druve a vehicle in the most stolen category expect to pay more for you auto insurance.

Certain anti-theft devices can lop another 15% off the comprehensive portion of your insurance cost. Your insurance agent can tell you exactly what equipment will allow you to qualify for the lower rate.

The safety rating can vary between two cars or trucks in the same category. That also affects your insurance costs. The Highway Loss Data Institute collects statistics on injuries suffered in traffic accidents and with that data they rate the safety of each car model. The best safety rating produces the most affordable insurance.

Adding a teenage drive can nearly double the cost of your insurance. Most companies will cut that cost by 5% to 10% if the teen successful completes a driver education course. Its about the same as getting paid to go to school

A defensive driving course can lower the cost for senior citizen drivers. Most insurers increase rates for drivers over age 70 that have had an accident or moving violation. A defensive driving class can chop 5% to 15% off that increase.

Safe driving with few or no moving citations is step one in minimizing insurance costs. Another sensible step is to talk to your insurance agent about exactly what model car and security equipment will be insurance cost effective.

Just a little planning will help youl lower the cost of auto insurance.

About the Author

Author Mark Walters writes about all aspects of driving at http://www.hybridvehiclestar.com including Auto Financing Scams.

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