Reader’s Question:

Where do insurance companies base their rate quotes? I reside here in Peoria, Illinois and has been doing some research on car insurance to help my wife get good car insurance prices.

Mathew

Peoria, IL

Your car insurance rates are based on a number of factors and not all car insurance providers use the same system or process to determine your auto insurance premiums. Some of these factors are controllable and some you will just have to live with if you want to get car insurance coverage. Generally, car insurance rates are based on the following factors: Age, Gender, Driving record, where you live and the kind of car you own.

The younger the driver (teenagers to early 20s) the more inexperienced he/she is considered by the insurance company thereby presenting a higher risk as a driver than a more established drivers. Those above 55 years, however, may also be seen as a high risk driver due to the physical limitations (slower reflexes, poorer eyesight etc.,) imposed by advancing age.

Males are, statistically, more prone to get into car accidents than women. Your location, where you live, work and drive each day, as well as the popularity of your type of vehicle among thieves, also affects your rates since insurance providers will be taking into account the crime and theft rates of vehicles in that area. The factor that you have most control of would be your driving history there in Peoria, Illinois. Prior involvement in car accidents, accumulating traffic violations and getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) has a very big impact on how much you pay for insurance.

Tags: auto insurance