Many factors determine rates for quotes. One myth is that rates are only set by law, unable to be changed. Although methods used by insurance companies to set rates are regulated, the actual quotes or rates you receive are not. You will see different rates for different companies. Comparing rates of different companies can save you a lot of money annually.
How they set your insurance rate:
Let's look at what happens when you submit an application for car insurance. First, you are sorted into an individualized group based on each piece of information in your application, as well as other sources. Once your customized group has been determined, the insurance company calls up the pricing information for that group. Finally, any discounts you qualify for are subtracted from the price, and your quote is returned. The entire process is completed by sophisticated software behind the scenes, based on information you enter online or an agent types into a computer.
Where do all these premiums go?
-70% goes to claims.
-four percent makes up their profit.
-The other 26 percent is for other expenses.
Why do they have different rates?
Each insurance company will have different groups with different prices for each, so the rate you pay can vary from group to group. Insurance companies each have their own claim payments and expenses. They use all this information that you provide to set their rate.
What type of information affects your premiums?
1.Who you are:
-How old are you?
-Your Gender
-Marital Status
-Your Area Code
-Where you work
-Credit History
-How long have you been driving?
2.What type of vehicle do you drive?
-The year
-The make
-What model is it?
-Annual mileage
-What are the safety features?
-How much does the car cost?
3.What you've done:
-Any traffic tickers?
-3.0 average in school
-Let policy lapse
-How many claims you have filed
-Have you ever filed bankruptcy?
-Taken a defensive driving course
-Have you ever had an accident?
4.Coverage
-Medical payments
-Rental reimbursement
-Any roadside assistance?
-Property damage or bodily injury?
-What about property damage or bodily harm?
Posted under Cars
This post was written by Matt Soller on September 30, 2009
