When you think about buying a new car, you probably realize that what you decide to purchase will impact your car insurance in Colorado Springs. A sports car is likely to have higher premiums than a sedan while an SUV may be even cheaper. However, you as a driver are the biggest factor for how much you’ll be paying for car insurance. Some things you can’t change, but other aspects can be improved.
Factors You Can’t Change
Your Age and Gender
Your age is one of the biggest factors for how much you’ll pay for car insurance, followed by your gender. In many cases, no one will be paying higher car insurance than a teen driver (all other factors being equal). This fact can be discouraging for young drivers who must wait until they turn 25 to start saving on their policy.
Your Marital Status
A single person is probably going to pay more for car insurance than a married person. You can see big savings if you go from being a single male driver to a married guy as long as you don’t add an accident to your record.
Where You Live
Another factor in determining car insurance rates is where you live. If you live in an area near a dangerous intersection or busy highway, you may end up paying more for insurance. The idea is that you will probably use these dangerous roads and have a higher risk of getting in an accident. While technically this is one factor you can change, you’re probably not going to move just to save on car insurance.
Your Occupation
If your occupation causes you to drive more, you may end up paying more for car insurance. The idea is that increased time on the road means more likelihood of getting in an accident. This is another factor you probably won’t change just to get cheaper rates.
Factors You Can Change
Your Driving Record
If you’ve gotten a lot of speeding tickets or other traffic violations in the past, you’re paying more for car insurance in Colorado Springs. It will take some time to clear up your record, but if you start driving safer, you can reduce your rates.
Your Credit Score
Many insurance providers check your credit as part of your application. If you have a low credit score, you may be paying more for car insurance. This is one factor you can improve fairly quickly. If you can clean up your credit, you can lower your auto insurance premiums the next time you renew. If you aren’t sure what to do, talk to a credit counselor who will put you on the right track.
As a driver, you have a big impact on how much you must pay for car insurance. Some of these factors you’ll just have to deal with. However, other factors can be changed so you can save money on your auto insurance policy the next time you’re up for renewal.