3 Surprising Things That Are Increasing Your Auto Insurance Rates

8 July 2015 by Elijah Steward

You probably know that auto insurance rates go up when you have tickets or accidents on your record, but there are other factors that can really increase your rates, some of them surprising.  While there's not a lot you may be able to do about some of these factors, when it does come time to make a change, they're certainly important to keep in mind.

1. Where You Live.  Most people don't consider this, but the zip code you live in can make a big difference when it comes to your car insurance rates.  Some areas are more prone to vehicle theft, while others statistically see a lot of accidents due to road conditions and other factors.  Insurance companies use an array of such statistical information to calculate their rates.  Drivers are often surprised to find that when they move, their insurance rates can go up or down, sometimes by quite a bit, just because of the location they'll be driving and parking that car.  If you're looking at a move, it can't hurt to run a few new zip code options by your car insurance company as part of the home-shopping process.

2. Where You Work.  Your commute can make a huge difference in how many miles you drive each year, which in turn affects your rates.  The more time you spend in your car, the higher the risk that you will be involved in an accident.  A car that drives a few miles a day encounters fewer chances for an accident than one driving many miles.  Of course, you can't change jobs because of insurance rates, but you can consider using public transportation or carpooling - many insurance companies will reduce your commuting miles and thus your rates if you find another way to get to work at least a few times per week, if not every day.

3. Your Car.  You probably know that a very valuable car is more expensive to insure than an older, less valuable car, but you may not realize that even a 2-door versus a 4-door can affect rates.  Other things about your car that affect rates?  The power of the engine, security features, and how high it appears on the annual list of most-stolen vehicles, all make a difference.  On the bright side, the concept that certain colors are more expensive to insure is actually a myth.  When you're shopping for a car, keep in mind that the safest cars are often the most affordable to insure, and sports cars and SUVs both tend to cost more.  It's a good idea to get quotes on multiple different models before you buy so you will know what to expect.

To learn more, contact an auto insurance agency like Insure With U.S.

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