These days, it seems like everyone is looking for a good deal. From groceries to gas prices, we’re all searching for the lowest price and the best value. Car insurance is no different. And for many Texans, finding quality, dependable coverage that’s within budget can be a bit of a challenge. So what determines car insurance rates in Texas and is there anything you can do to keep your rates low?
Driving Record
One of the biggest factors in determining Texas car insurance rates is your driving record. How many times you’ve been involved in an accident along with the number of times you’ve been ticketed for speeding or other violations creates what’s known as your personal driving record. Insurance companies look to your record to predict what type of risk you will pose. The more incidents you have, the higher your risk and the higher your car insurance rates.
The easiest way to keep your rates low is to avoid accidents and obey traffic rules by not speeding. Luckily, even if you’ve had an incident in the past, most insurance companies today are willing to “forgive” or overlook one accident. In addition, you may be eligible for discounts if you participate in defensive driving courses or equip your vehicle with the latest safety features like airbags and automatic seatbelts.
The Type of Vehicle You Drive
Insurance companies also look at the type of vehicle you drive. Sports vehicles are generally the highest to insure, simply because it’s more likely you’ll be traveling faster in a car built for speed than someone in a station wagon. As a consequence, insurance companies assume greater risk and charge higher rates. In addition to the make, model and age of your vehicle, most insurance companies take into consideration where you live and how far you travel every day. All of these variables combine to create another factor in determining risk. You can reduce your rates by commuting to work or joining a carpool, which decreases the amount of traveling you do in a day.
Age and Marital Status
Teenage drivers generally pay more than older folks or those who have been driving for many years. In some cases, teenage drivers can get a discount by completing a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)-approved driver education course. In addition, single drivers tend to pay more than those who are married. While you may not be willing to run out and get married to reduce your car insurance, you may be eligible for other discounts by insuring multiple vehicles, keeping a concurrent homeowner’s policy or simply agreeing to renew your policy.
There are several factors that go into determining how much you pay for car insurance in Texas. Some you can control as in how often you’re involved in an accident or how many times you’ve been stopped for speeding. In other cases, rates are determined using factors out of your control such as the specific make and model of your vehicle , your age, marital status and whether or not you commute to and from work. Discounts are available and can help you save money on your premium. Make sure you understand these discounts and whether or not you are entitled to receive them.