How Your Age, Gender, and Vehicle Identification Number Affect the Average Car Insurance Cost
When shopping for car insurance, you’re likely to find several factors that can affect the price of coverage. You should know your age, gender, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Those factors can significantly affect the price you pay. This article will explain how these factors can affect your insurance premium. Ultimately, your insurance policy is an investment in your financial security. Whether you buy it online or from an agent can make all the difference.
Minimum coverage
While car insurance is required by law in many states, it is not a must. In states like New Hampshire, drivers must show proof of financial means in order to drive on the road. In states like Virginia, drivers can opt out of car insurance by paying $500 an annual fee, but this would leave them without coverage in the event of an accident. If you’re looking to save money on car insurance, consider opting for minimum coverage, which will likely cost less than $500.
Age
Whether you’re a driver in your 20s or a senior citizen, you can still save money on your car insurance by bundling multiple policies. While older drivers may start seeing their rates rise, they’re still considerably lower than the costs of younger drivers. The average cost of car insurance also doesn’t change much from teen to adult years. In fact, insurance companies consider drivers in their 30s and 40s to be more responsible drivers.
Gender
It has long been acknowledged that men and women pay different rates for car insurance. The insurance industry has responded to this issue by removing gender as a factor in rate setting. However, the issue still persists, as it has been for decades. In fact, the Insurance Commissioner’s office in Delaware conducted a study that determined that the substantial differences between the two sexes’ premiums suggest that gender is not a reliable metric for determining car insurance rates.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Before getting a quote from a car insurance company, you should check the VIN of your vehicle. This number is located on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you don’t know the VIN of your car, you can check its details with your local DMV. The price of your vehicle will depend on its model, make, and year of production. The VIN will also help you get a better price quote for your car. Once you’ve obtained a quote, you’ll need to submit it to the insurance company to finalize your policy.
Credit score
Many consumers are shocked to learn that their credit score directly impacts their average car insurance cost. Although insurance companies claim that your credit score has no effect on your rates, they are not required to tell you what your score is or why it may affect your premiums. The FTC, a government agency, has published a study showing that your credit score relates to how often and how much you’re likely to file a claim.