| OK, let me put it on the table: I hate | | | | |
| insurance companies. I hate them like some | | | | If you drive a car that car thieves like to |
| people hate the government. But the sad fact | | | | steal, your insurance carrier is going to |
| is, auto insurance is something that we all | | | | charge you more for insurance. Similarly, if |
| need -- and, in most cases, are required by | | | | you own a car that is expensive to repair, |
| law to have. | | | | you'll pay more for insurance, too. |
| | | | |
| But while having car insurance is usually not | | | | Bought a brand-new car? You'll probably pay |
| an option, how much you pay for it is. Here | | | | more. But you can reduce your rates if your |
| are the 4 greatest factors that can influence | | | | car has certain safety features like daytime |
| how much -- or how little -- you pay for auto | | | | running lights, anti-lock brakes, airbags and |
| insurance. You | | | | automatic safety belts. And if you live in an |
| | | | urban area, you might want to consider |
| Sadly, you can't do too much about your own | | | | anti-theft devices like a steering wheel |
| personal demographics. Car insurance | | | | lock, and/or a car alarms. |
| actuaries (the bean counters who pore over | | | | |
| the statistics) "know" that a male that under | | | | Your Neighborhood |
| the age of 25 is involved in more accidents | | | | |
| than than a female driver of the same age. | | | | And speaking of the big city, you will find |
| | | | your car insurance rates will be much higher |
| So if you're a young man, you'll pay more. | | | | than if you live in the suburbs or out in the |
| Sorry about that. | | | | country. This is mostly due to the fact that |
| | | | increased traffic will lead to increased |
| Want to pay less? Get married -- you'll often | | | | accidents. And theft is always a reality as |
| see a reduction in your insurance rates. Why? | | | | well. |
| Because the mass of married males are | | | | |
| involved in fewer accidents than the mass of | | | | Your Policy |
| unmarried males of the same age. It is what | | | | |
| it is. | | | | The kind of policy you choose, or more |
| | | | specifically the coverages you elect, will |
| Another way to save money is to take an | | | | also effect the cost of your auto insurance |
| approved driver's training, or driver's | | | | payments. |
| safety, course. That can often result in a | | | | |
| modest discount. Ask your agent for details. | | | | So seriously consider increasing your |
| | | | deductible, especially if you drive an older |
| Of course, your driving record has more to do | | | | car. It all depends on how much your older |
| with your rates than almost anything else. If | | | | car is worth. If the value of your car is |
| you have any points on your record, or a past | | | | low, Why pay a high premium every month to |
| accident (or two) within the last three | | | | insure against a collision that you may not |
| years, your rates will be higher. And if you | | | | want to repair? Also consider dumping some of |
| are not careful, eventually you can have your | | | | the other coverages you may never use, like |
| policy canceled. | | | | medical (if you have other medical insurance) |
| | | | or roadside assistance (if your credit card |
| Lastly, how much you drive each week can | | | | already gives you coverage). |
| affect your rates. So see if you can carpool | | | | |
| or take mass transit to and from work, at | | | | Conclusion |
| least some of the time. Hey, listen -- you'll | | | | |
| also save money on gas as well as wear and | | | | There you have it -- a few factors that can |
| tear on your car. Not to mention doing your | | | | have a great impact on how much (or how |
| part for the environment. How good is that? | | | | little) you pay for insurance. Check it out |
| | | | and save. |
| Your Car | | | | |