What Should I Expect My Car Insurance to Cost?

At a minimum, you’ll need the amount of auto insurance coverage you’re required to have by the state. However, there are other factors that come into play when it comes to what you’ll actually end up paying that are more specific to your situation and vehicle. Continue reading for a brief overview of what goes into determining what you should be paying for auto insurance.

State Requirements

Start by determining what’s required in your state. For instance, in California, the minimum liability insurance requirements are:

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

Your Age

Younger drivers tend to pay more for auto insurance than older drivers. If you’re a more seasoned driver, you should expect to pay less than what a teen driver with a similar vehicle would likely pay for the same type of coverage. The reason for the discrepancy is that younger drivers tend to be more of a risk than older ones with more driving experience.

Vehicle-Specific Details

A car with a higher price tag is going to cost more to insure than a more economical one. The reason is because it costs more to replace and repair a more expensive vehicle. In addition to make and model, vehicle-specific details considered when determining auto insurance rates include:

• Average yearly mileage
• Overall vehicle condition
• Any improvements you’ve made since your initial vehicle purchase

Insurance companies typically take some other vehicle-specific factors into consideration as well, including how you usually use your car. For instance, if you regularly drive in city traffic and park in a crowded downtown area, there’s a good chance your rates will be higher than if you were a more occasional driver.

Your Driving Record

Typically, one of the top factors that determines what a reasonable chula vista auto insurance rate is your driving record. For example, if you have a spotless driving record, you should expect a lower rate than drivers with more blemishes on their records. In fact, Wallethub.com notes drivers with clean records pay about 40 percent less than drivers with records that include an assortment of accidents and claims.

Lowering Your Auto Insurance Rates

The good news is there are some steps you may be able to take to lower your auto insurance rates. One way you may be able to do this is to take some time to get estimates when it’s time to renew your policy. You may also be able to lower your auto insurance payments if you’re not happy with what you’re currently paying by:

• Taking steps to improve your vehicle’s security
• Improving your driving record
• Seeing if there are auto insurance discounts you may be eligible for
• Improving your credit score, since this can also have an impact on your rates
• Reducing your mileage

Drivers who are searching for affordable, reliable auto insurance should reach out to the friendly agents at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we offer a variety of insurance policies, including motorcycle, homeowners, and renters insurance. San Diego local residents can call one of our knowledgeable team members today at (800) 719-9972 for a free quote.