02 Jun How Much Does Veterans Car Insurance Cost?
Almost all states enforce car insurance requirements, but the cost varies from one person to another. Car insurance providers compute the cost of coverage based on several factors. Although some jurisdictions have banned some characteristics that are unrelated to your driving history, factors like your age, gender, place of residence, and driving record often play a role in the computation of your vehicle insurance rates.
Before you purchase or renew an auto insurance policy, it is crucial to understand what factors affect car insurance pricing to get the best car insurance rates possible.
Related Article: Do Veterans Need Car Insurance?
What Factors Affect Car Insurance Pricing
Several factors impact car insurance pricing, including the following.
1. Insurance Company
Choosing the cheapest insurer in your area might significantly affect your auto insurance premiums. In addition, the most affordable company in one state may be the most costly in another. That’s why it’s critical to browse around and compare vehicle insurance quotes to find the best deals.
2. Driver’s Age
Accidents are more likely to occur in young, inexperienced drivers than senior drivers. As a result, insurance firms typically charge drivers under 25 higher premiums.
3. Location (State, Neighborhood)
The location of the rating factor is based on two levels: state and zip code. Each state has its regulations for regulating automobile insurance.
Car insurance companies charge by ZIP code to account for the external rating factors in each area. The cost of insurance is higher in areas where there are more drivers. Flood-prone areas, wildfire-prone areas, prone to vandalism or theft, and other risky areas have higher rates. In many circumstances, those who live in rural locations pay lower vehicle insurance prices than those who live in cities.
4. Driving History
Car insurers consider a driver’s prior performance to be a good predictor of their future performance. Therefore, insurance costs will be higher in the future if you have a history of fines or infractions.
5. Credit Score
Credit is a significant but frequently neglected aspect of credit ratings. According to the data, drivers with weak credit file more claims than those with good credit. When claims are submitted, they are usually more costly than claims filed by drivers with solid credit.
6. Age and Model of Car
Insurance for certain cars is less expensive than for others. For example, on average, a truck costs 3% less to insure than a sedan. Insurers prefer to insure safe automobiles because they are less likely to result in costly claims.
7. Driver’s Sex
Male and female drivers might be charged different rates in most states. This means that men’s rates are more significant when they’re young, while women’s rates are higher as they are older. Only a few states will enable insurers to discriminate based on gender.
8. Level of Insurance Coverage
Your premiums will increase if you add more coverage to your policy. The reason for this is simple: if you have more coverage, your insurer is required to pay out to meet a greater coverage limit.
9. Claims History
Insurance companies see an extensive claims history as a red flag. Any insurance claim you file — and any claim made against you — is included in your claims history. If your insurance provider pays out a claim, your rate will likely rise.
10. If the Car Stays in the Garage
According to the Insurance Information Institute, parking your car in a garage is safer than parking on the street, and your insurance prices may reflect this.
11. Amount of Daily Use (Less Use Costs Less to Insure)
Since low-mileage drivers spend less time on the road and are less likely to be involved in accidents, they often get cheaper auto insurance. By choosing pay-per-mile insurance, low-mileage drivers can reduce their car insurance premiums.
Related Article: The Exclusive Guide to Auto Insurance for Veterans
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Each State
State | Average cost of minimum coverage | Average cost of full coverage |
Alabama | 469 | 1623 |
Alaska | 373 | 1559 |
Arizona | 555 | 1547 |
Arkansas | 470 | 1914 |
California | 733 | 2065 |
Colorado | 518 | 2016 |
Connecticut | 794 | 1845 |
Delaware | 787 | 1775 |
Florida | 1101 | 2364 |
Georgia | 756 | 1982 |
Hawaii | 354 | 1127 |
Idaho | 307 | 1045 |
Illinois | 442 | 1485 |
Indiana | 367 | 1254 |
Iowa | 252 | 1260 |
Kansas | 410 | 1698 |
Kentucky | 748 | 2128 |
Louisiana | 975 | 2724 |
Maine | 294 | 965 |
Maryland | 767 | 1877 |
Massachusetts | 510 | 1223 |
Michigan | 948 | 2309 |
Minnesota | 537 | 1643 |
Mississippi | 492 | 1782 |
Missouri | 468 | 1661 |
Montana | 342 | 1737 |
Nebraska | 335 | 1531 |
Nevada | 860 | 2245 |
New Hampshire | 389 | 1275 |
New Jersey | 847 | 1757 |
New Mexico | 385 | 1419 |
New York | 1062 | 2321 |
North Carolina | 413 | 1325 |
North Dakota | 285 | 1264 |
Ohio | 328 | 1034 |
Oklahoma | 423 | 1873 |
Oregon | 610 | 1346 |
Pennsylvania | 427 | 1476 |
Rhode Island | 749 | 2018 |
South Carolina | 558 | 1512 |
South Dakota | 275 | 1642 |
Tennessee | 371 | 1338 |
Texas | 524 | 1823 |
Utah | 528 | 1306 |
Vermont | 292 | 1207 |
Virginia | 441 | 1304 |
Washington | 463 | 1176 |
Washington, D.C. | 704 | 1855 |
West Virginia | 458 | 1499 |
Wisconsin | 332 | 1186 |
Wyoming | 271 | 1495 |
*Source: Bankrate, 2021
Best Car Insurance for Military
As military life can be unpredictable, service members also have unique insurance needs. Therefore, choosing the right provider is vital, especially when dealing with challenges such as deployment.
In addition to offering great rates and customer service, the best car insurance companies for military members, veterans, and their families provide coverage that meets their needs. The following are the top auto insurers based on discounts, lifestyle assistance, and policy coverage to military personnel and their families.
- USAA
- Geico
- Travelers
- American Family
- Farmers
- Nationwide
Related Article: How Veterans Auto Insurance Works
How to Save Money on Car Insurance
Although rate factors can influence your premiums, there are other factors you can consider to save money on car insurance.
Ask For Discounts
Almost all car insurance companies offer discounts, and you probably qualify for at least a few, regardless of your driving record. Below are some discounts you may be eligible for:
- Safe Driver
- Military
- Multi-Policy Bundle
- No Claims History
- Good Student
- Defensive Driving Course
- Improved Credit Score
- Autopay
- Pay In Full Upfront (Monthly Payments Come With Extra Processing Fees)
- E-Documents
Ensure you’re receiving all the discounts you’re eligible for by asking your agent to review your savings.
Shop Around
Switching vehicle insurance companies could save you money. Whether you have a policy or are nearing the end of your current one, we recommend you shop for auto insurance at least once a year to ensure you are getting the best deal.
You can take help from Online Aggregators or Independent Agents if you don’t want to spend hours comparing quotations.
Increase Your Deductible
Higher deductibles translate into lower monthly payments, which, in the long run, can save you significant sums of money.
You need to remember that a small down payment may result in lower monthly payments but higher out-of-pocket expenses if you are in an accident.
Reduce or Remove Coverage You May Not Need
Many people waste money on auto insurance products and add-ons that they don’t need. Consider the following scenario:
- Roadside assistance (redundant if you have AAA)
- Rental car reimbursement if yours is damaged in an accident.
- A collision and comprehensive policy if your car is older. You may consider dropping these coverages as your car depreciates over time.
Veteran Car Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle
There is a slew of options for lowering car insurance pricing. However, determining which options’ will save you the most money might be difficult.
Should you combine policies, transfer insurers, or do both? Which discounts are the most beneficial to you? What’s the right deductible—or coverage, for that matter—for your car?
Although not exhaustive, this list will get you started on your journey to saving money on auto insurance. Remember that getting the greatest final price, not the biggest discounts, is the key to saving money on vehicle insurance. Some companies offer the fewest deals but will still provide the lowest premiums.
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