5 Unexpected Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates-copy
Car insurance rates rise and fall due to a variety factors, including some that may surprise you. Read this list of 5 unexpected factors affecting car insurance rates to learn more.
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Car insurance
rates rise and fall due to a variety of well-known factors, including your driving record
, your age, and the type of vehicle you drive. Surprisingly, your education level, profession, and customer loyalty can also play a part in the car insurance rates you pay. But you may not be familiar with some of the lesser-known factors that can affect your car insurance rates. Here are some unexpected factors that might be costing you extra on your
car insurance premiums
.How your education level affects car insurance rates
Some companies base your car insurance rates on your level of education. For example, drivers who did not finish high school can expect to pay over $3,300 more on average for car insurance over the course of their lifetime compared to college graduates.
How your profession affects car insurance rates
Auto insurance companies also make a connection between your job and your car insurance rates. If you expect to find yourself on the road a lot as a result of your profession, expect to pay more for car insurance.
This includes delivery drivers, journalists, and other workers who travel often. When you drive more, you're at a higher risk to end up in an accident. As a result, car insurance companies charge people with these professions more.
Other professionals, such as emergency service personnel, members of the clergy, and insurance underwriters can expect to pay less, as many car insurance companies see them as more cautious drivers.
High-risk jobs include those that require more work and longer hours, resulting in
higher stress levels
and a lack of sleep. This contributes to a higher rate of accidents among drivers who hold high-risk jobs. Some drivers in these high-risk occupations tend to pay more for car insurance:- Architects
- Doctors
- Lawyers
- Real estate brokers
- Salespeople
On the flip side, low-risk jobs often require professionals to remain detail-oriented and provide a stable work environment. Statistically, professionals in these types of jobs tend to have a lower risk of accidents. Some drivers in these low-risk occupations pay lower car insurance rates:
- Accountants
- Artists
- Nurses
- Pilots
- Scientists
- Teachers
Key Takeaway: Your insurance rates can change depending on how cautious, stressed, sleep deprived, or high mileage others in your profession are expected to be.
How customer loyalty affects car insurance rates
Customer loyalty doesn't always get you as big a discount as you might expect. While many insurance companies tout loyalty rewards as a selling point, some might jack up your rates by as much as 25% before offering a 10% loyalty discount. Called price optimization, insurance companies reserve the practice for customers who they feel are not likely to
shop around
for more cost-effective coverage elsewhere.Using a sophisticated algorithm, insurance companies use an index that shows the likelihood of you switching providers in response to price increases. Shopping around for insurance
is the best way
to fight against this.Sticking with the same insurance company isn’t always the best way to save. Compare your current plan with quotes from other top companies with
Jerry
. The Jerry app gathers your information from your past insurer, so you're not responsible for any long forms or phone calls.How having a baby affects car insurance rates
On the flip side, you might see a positive impact on your car insurance rates if you or your spouse has a child. Many times, a life event such as having a baby inspires parents to purchase a larger vehicle with added safety features, which causes rates to go down.
So if an insurer deems you a safer driver, your rates will most likely fall.
How buying a home affects car insurance rates
Buying a home is another surprising difference maker when it comes to your car insurance rates. Owning a home usually saves you money on car insurance.
The state you live in plays a part in the amount you pay. The following table details how much more renters tend to pay for car insurance compared to home buyers in a variety of locations.
City | State Farm | GEICO | Allstate | Progressive | Farmers | Liberty Mutual | Nationwide | City Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baltimore, MD | $98 | $0 | $66 | $82 | $100 | $636 | $0 | $140 |
Chicago, IL | $22 | $0 | -$134 | $26 | $182 | $168 | $70 | $48 |
Denver, CO | $28 | $0 | $110 | $0 | $0 | $180 | $108 | $61 |
Houston, TX | $42 | $0 | $146 | $42 | $88 | $288 | $0 | $87 |
Louisville, KY | $44 | $0 | $64 | $64 | $768 | $192 | $160 | $185 |
Newark, NJ | $64 | $0 | $460 | $38 | $78 | $671 | $32 | $192 |
Phoenix, AZ | $26 | $0 | $48 | $22 | $58 | $312 | $76 | $77 |
Portland, OR | $46 | $0 | $36 | $0 | $44 | $180 | $0 | $44 |
Syracuse, NY | $14 | $0 | $120 | $12 | $116 | $60 | $88 | $59 |
Tampa, FL | $54 | $0 | $924 | $34 | N/A | $384 | N/A | $279 |
Company Avg. | $44 | $0 | $184 | $32 | $159 | $307 | $59 | $112 |
Source:
Lifehacker
Finding cost-effective car insurance rates can prove to be difficult enough without some of the above factors. If you fall into any of the above groups, make sure to look for car insurance that does not penalize you.
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