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10 Reasons Why Your Auto Insurance Is So High and What to Do About It
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10 Reasons Why Your Auto Insurance Is So High and What to Do About It

Confused by your auto insurance? Hereโ€™s a user-friendly guide to help you navigate through the complex world of auto insurance. ๐Ÿš— We will cover premium quotes, coverage types, shopping guidelines, and when it's time to make a switch!

November 2, 2023
Janet Lee
,
Doing Well Founder
10 Reasons Why Your Auto Insurance Is So High and What to Do About It
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Auto insurance premiums vary significantly from person to person, depending on various factors. While some of these factors are within your control, others may be out of your hands. Understanding your high rates can help you make informed decisions about your coverage.

In this article, we'll explore 10 common reasons your auto insurance rates may be so high.

Why is my auto insurance so expensive? ๐Ÿ’ฐ

Full coverage auto insurance usually costs between $1,500 and $2,200 annually. If your premium exceeds this range, several factors may be inflating your costs.


๐Ÿ’ก Factors ๐Ÿ’ช Impact on Premium
Age According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young drivers face higher accident and violation risks, leading to increased premiums. This also applies to drivers aged 65 and up.
Gender According to the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), women pay more on average for auto insurance premiums.
Marital Status Insurers note that married drivers file fewer claims than singles, potentially leading to lower costs for married individuals. However, some states like Hawaii, Montana, and Massachusetts prohibit using marital status in setting insurance rates.
Violation & Accident Records Driving under the influence (DUI) can raise premiums by $1,470/year, not-at-fault claims add $400/year, and minor violations last 2-5 years, but DUIs linger longer.
Mileage If you drive to work daily, you might pay higher car insurance premiums than someone who runs short errands. More miles mean more risks on the road.
Location Premiums depend on the frequency of theft, accidents, and natural disaster incidents in your area.
Car Type Newer and luxury cars have higher premiums, while cars with safety features offer lower rates; theft-prone models also raise costs.
Credit Score Depending on state laws, car insurers may use a credit-based insurance score to determine your coverage cost. Poor credit can increase premiums by as much as 263%; credit is a sign of responsibility.
Auto Insurance Coverage The extent of coverage affects your insurance premium. Coverage types also consider your vehicle's ownership statusโ€”own outright, finance, or lease.
Insurance Provider Rates can vary between providers. Shop around to get cheaper quotes; loyalty doesnโ€™t pay.

โ€What does my auto insurance cover? ๐Ÿ”ง

The final quote depends on your specific coverage choice.


๐Ÿ‘‡ Coverage Type ๐Ÿง Coverage Details โœ… Mandatory Status
Liability Insurance Covers bodily injury and property damage. Mandatory in 49 out of 50 US states, except Virginia.
Collision Insurance Pays for vehicle damage regardless of fault. Required for financed vehicles; optional otherwise.
Comprehensive Insurance Covers non-collision damage (e.g., natural disasters, theft). Optional but may be required for leased vehicles.
Medical Payments Insurance Covers medical costs for accident injuries. Mandatory in Maine and New Hampshire; optional elsewhere.
Uninsured (UM) /Underinsured (UIM) Coverage Protects against uninsured or underinsured drivers. Optional add-on to liability insurance.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Covers medical expenses, lost wages, or funeral costs for policyholders and passengers, regardless of fault. Required in 12 no-fault insurance states: Hawaii, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, Utah, and Pennsylvania.

โ€

You can also add the following car insurance coverage options:

๐Ÿš˜Rental car reimbursement - It covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced following an accident.

๐Ÿ”งRoadside assistance - It offers assistance in case your vehicle breaks down on the road, such as due to a flat tire, dead battery, running out of gas, and other issues.

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธLoan/lease payoff coverage - It covers the difference, within specific limits, if you owe more on your vehicle than its value and your car is stolen or totaled.

๐Ÿ‘จ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ”งMechanical breakdown - Also called as car repair insurance, it pays for repair expenses when your vehicle breaks down, requires new parts, or experiences various mechanical issues.

What is the recommended auto insurance coverage? ๐Ÿ”

Each state requires a minimum of car insurance coverage to meet financial responsibility laws. Liability insurance is the main mandated coverage in all states except New Hampshire. However, New Hampshire requires drivers to show they can cover costs in case of an at-fault crash.

Talking to your agent ๐Ÿ‘จ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ’ผ or provider ๐Ÿจ can help you choose the right coverage.

How can I reduce insurance costs without compromising coverage? ๐Ÿค‘

Here are 10 ways you can reduce premiums without sacrificing coverage:

  1. Shop around: Compare quotes from different providers. ๐Ÿ”
  2. Ask for higher deductibles
  3. Reduce coverage on older cars
  4. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer
  5. Maintain a good driving record
  6. Enroll in a defensive driving courseSign up for our safe driving program
  7. Improve your credit score
  8. Apply for low mileage discounts
  9. Explore payment options
  10. Inquire about group insurance

When should I consider switching auto insurance providers? ๐Ÿ”Ž

Reasons why you want to consider switching:

  • Annual rates increase without claims or added coverage.
  • Premiums are 40%+ higher than the state average.
  • Poor or inaccessible customer service.
  • New car purchase doesn't bind you to your current provider.
  • Dissatisfaction with rates, service, or other offerings.

What are the basic steps in shopping for auto insurance? ๐Ÿ›’

Choosing the right insurance as a first-time car owner can be tricky due to the many options available. Here are the essential steps to simplify the process for you.


๐Ÿ“‚ Prepare your.. ๐Ÿ“ Have yourโ€ฆ
1) Personal info

โœ… Name

โœ… Birth date

โœ… Residence

โœ… Driver's license number

2) Vehicle details

โœ… VIN, year, model, make, mileage

โœ… Safety features (e.g., GPS trackers)

3) Current insurance details

โœ… Beneficiaries information

โœ… Current coverage types

4) Driving history (past 3-5 years)

โœ… Driving tickets or violations

โœ… Records of at-fault accidents

5) Excluded family members โœ… Names and details
6) Coverage Preference โœ… Full auto insurance: liability, comprehensive, collision
7) For Financed Vehicles โœ… Add-ons: gap, UM/UIM, roadside assistance
8) Get quotes โœ… Insurance broker or comparison tool (e.g., thezebra.com). - Insurers contact or get online quotes from their website

๐Ÿ’‚๐Ÿป Safeguard your finances from unexpected auto incidents with the right insurance. ๐Ÿ˜Œ

Protect your finances today

At Doing Well, we understand the importance of securing your financial well-being and provide services tailored to ensure you're well-protected and prepared.

Here's what to expect:

  • Personalized financial health check-ups to identify strengths and areas of improvement
  • Expert guidance on selecting the right insurance products to protect you and your family
  • Strategic planning for long-term financial goals and security
  • Comprehensive review of existing insurance plans to ensure they meet your changing needs
  • And more!

We provide monthly calls, continuous bookkeeping, and reliable support to free you up to enjoy life. Doing Well is your trusted ally in financial management, guiding you towards personal financial success.

โ€

Janet Lee
Doing Well Founder

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