Finding new ways to lower car insurance costs is something that almost every Arizona driver can relate to. While we’ve previously discussed the fixed factors that most auto insurance providers use to help determine how much you’ll pay for coverage, there are more flexible factors that give you some control over these costs. So, while changing your age and address can be difficult or even impossible, you can rest easy in knowing that you still have some control over your annual insurance premiums. Keep reading to learn more.
Which Flexible Factors Are Used to Determine Your Car Insurance Rates?
1. Your Credit Score
Many auto insurance providers in the US use your credit score to help determine how much you’ll pay for coverage. In general, lower scores (below 600) mean that you’ll probably be paying more for insurance. Being able to show that you pay off debts within a reasonable time, often shows insurance companies that you are a lower risk and can help to keep your insurance costs at a minimum. So, if you’ve been working on increasing your credit score, you may be able to lower your insurance costs at the same time!
2. Insuring Multiple Drivers
If you have more than one adult driver in your household, you may be able to save quite a bit in insurance costs if you are all insured under the same policy. But keep in mind that this option doesn’t always work for teen drivers or other high-risk drivers in the household. So, it may be best to keep them on a separate policy.
3. Claims History
If you have a ton of previous auto insurance claims on your record, you may seem like a high-risk driver to new insurance providers. The more claims that are paid out by your insurance provider, the higher your overall insurance costs will be. Of course, it can be hard to avoid specific claims like major auto accidents, but other smaller claims may be better paid out-of-pocket to help keep your premiums lower.
4. Good Grades
If you have a teenage driver on your policy or you’re in college, you could be eligible for auto insurance discounts as long as you maintain a certain grade point average. While this may not work for more experienced drivers, it can significantly help reduce overall insurance costs for families and college students.
5. Continued Driver’s Education
Another way that many insurance providers like to award teen and senior drivers is by offering discounts for completed defensive driving courses. Many teen drivers already take a defensive driving course as part of the driver’s education process in their schools and specific courses that are targeted at senior drivers may offer similar discounts. Unsure if a recent driving course that you’ve completed qualifies for this type of discount? Don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly independent agents for more information!
6. Driving Activity
It’s also common for some insurance providers to adjust your rates based on how you use your car and the total distance you drive annually. Studies indicate that business drivers put far more miles on their vehicles each year than those who use their car for leisure only. And while it may be challenging to change your route to and from work, you may be able to modify how often you use your car and the distance you drive in other areas in an effort to save more.
Contact Mooney Insurance Today
Interested in learning more about the different auto insurance discounts that you may be eligible for in Tucson? Call (520) 751-0502 or contact our independent agents today for more info and be sure to request a free quote!
