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How do I determine my car insurance costs?

My parents got me a brand-new car as a law school graduation present. I’ll need to purchase my own car insurance for it so I can start driving ASAP. How do I know how much my car insurance will cost me?

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Jessa Claeys · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Congratulations on graduating law school and getting a brand new car! Both gifts should serve you well for years to come.
Quite a few factors are considered when determining the cost of insurance, such as:
  • Your car’s year, make, and model: If you don’t know these, check the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Your age, gender, education, and marital status: Teen drivers tend to have higher car insurance rates than most other age groups
  • The coverage you choose
    : The more coverage you get, the higher your insurance rates will likely be.
  • Your driving record: A clean driving record can reduce your car insurance rates, and a recent DUI or parking ticket can increase them.
  • Where you’re located: Each state has different minimum car insurance requirements. Population density and crime statistics in your area also play a part in determining costs.
  • Your credit score: Good credit history can lower your rates, and bad credit may increase them.
  • Your car’s safety features: Anti-theft features and anti-crash features can reduce your rates, and cars without these features can increase may end up paying more.
If you’re hesitant to find an insurance provider on your own because of all the work involved, try
Jerry
. Jerry does all the paperwork for you, and if you have any questions along the way, just text one of our agents through the app. They will always be there to assist you.”
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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