Ask a friend what they pay for car insurance, and you may discover it’s drastically different than what you pay. It’s not necessarily because one of you is getting a much better deal on car insurance. The truth is, car insurance is determined by a number of factors that can quickly raise or lower the price. 

What exactly determines the cost of your car insurance? Let’s take a look. 

Driving Record 

One of the biggest factors in determining general insurance cost is your personal driving history. This is what car insurance companies use to gauge how big of a liability you are. Have you caused an accident? How many tickets do you have? Is there a DUI on your record? 

The more severe the incident, the more it will affect your rate. Have too much on your record, and some companies may deem you un-insurable. 

The Vehicle You Drive 

The other big factor is the vehicle itself. A more expensive vehicle costs more to repair or replace. A faster vehicle is often a higher liability. Therefore, a newer, faster sports car is going to cost a lot more to insure than an older, safer minivan. 

The newer/nicer/riskier your vehicle is, the more expensive your car insurance will be. 

The Type of Coverage You Have 

It makes sense that the more coverage you have, the more your plan will cost. Generally, you’re only required to have liability insurance on your vehicle. This is pretty cheap to have, but it also doesn’t cover much when you get into an accident. 

That’s why most opt for some additional protection. This may include collision, weather/hazard protection, theft coverage, road side assistance, and more. 

Car insurance plans are highly customizable, allowing you to create a plan that’s perfect for you. 

The Size of Your Deductible 

Your deductible is, of course, the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance kicks in. A lower deductible will keep you from paying a large out-of-pocket sum in the case of an accident, but it makes your monthly premium higher. 

Location 

Your location doesn’t have the biggest effect on your insurance cost, but it does contribute to the cost. Places with more traffic, harsher conditions, and/or higher theft rates have higher costs for insurance. 

Age and Sex 

If you’re a younger driver, you’re considered a higher liability. That means you’ll pay more. When you reach 25 years old, your insurance should go down a little bit. Your gender also factors in. Males are considered higher risk drivers, and thus, usually pay a little more than their female counterparts. 

The Insurance Provider You Use 

One of the best ways to keep your insurance costs down is to use the right insurance provider. The cheapest company is not the same for everyone. It all comes down to your needs and your situation. That’s why it’s crucial to shop around for car insurance. 

But you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll take care of the price hunting for you.  

At Link-Hellmuth, we work with the top car insurance companies to make sure our customers get the best coverage for the best price. Let us take care of the leg work. For car insurance in Springfield, Ohio, and beyond, contact us today!