Investing in quality auto insurance is essential. However, you likely want to save as much as you can on your policy prices. To maintain a low price, minimize moving violations and accidents. Work to be a safe driver. Each year, your insurance company will take a closer look at your driving history. They will look at your car insurance claims over the past year. They consider accidents, too. All of this determines how much you will pay for insurance.
Many myths exist about what impacts how much you pay. Your agent can tell you specifically what factors are impacting your rate change. However, here are some common myths about insurance.
#1: The color of your car
The color of the vehicle does not impact insurance rates. Some believe the police give more tickets to those who have a bright red or other brightly colored cars. That is not the case. However, if the vehicle has custom paint or hard-to-replace paint covered by the policy, this could increase your costs.
#2: Your income
Your income usually has nothing to do with how much you pay for car insurance. Insurance companies do not ask for this information in most cases.
However, your credit score is often a key factor. Insurers often use this to determine how responsible you are. A high credit score indicates you are likely a good driver and responsible.
#3: Your race and religion
These are also areas where the insurance company does not put focus. It is not legal for an insurance company to make a pricing decision based on these factors. They cannot determine whether to provide insurance to you based on race or religion.
#4: You have disabilities
This, too, has no bearing on what you will pay for car insurance. A key factor to keep in mind here is the car, though. If you drive with any type of disability aid or you have a vehicle with special features, this may increase your coverage need. This could make getting insurance a bit more expensive. More insurance often means more cost.
#5: Whether you have kids
Most often, your car insurance agent will not know this. They do not make decisions about insurance rates based on this factor either. However, if you have a child who is learning to drive, you likely need to insure that child as well. This might lead to additional policy costs.
Be sure to speak to your Bakersfield car insurance provider to learn more about what impacts your rates. Ask for discounts. Inquire about the details of your policy. These are factors that play a role in what you pay.