After purchasing a car, the first thing you need to do is look for the best insurance policy. In Canada, this is a mandatory requirement for all drivers. This means it is better to find one fast. However, one question that many people have is “am I paying too much for car insurance?”.
The only way to answer this question is by evaluating the factors that help insurance companies determine your premiums.
Today, drivers have the right to choose the providers they like and personalize the coverage for their vehicle. In this regard, many companies across Canada offer this service. But, Canadian drivers should be aware of the benefits and prices will change depending on the option you choose. Overall, we advise all car owners to get a standard policy that includes all the key components.
Once you choose a car insurance policy, the provider will determine the value of your premium according to several factors. That’s why to help you understand how much is too much for car insurance. We will break down the elements that determine the cost of your coverage.
7 factors that influence car insurance rates
Keep in mind that the elements we will present in the list below could vary depending on the insurance company you choose. Plus, remember that if you want to find an affordable premium, you should ask for quotes from different insurance providers. In case you want to check out one of the top companies in the market that offers car insurance in Alberta, visit the link.
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Driving history
This is one of the primary variables that influence how insurance companies determine the cost of your policy. Your driving history is what will tell the provider if you are a high-risk driver. That means that you have been involved in several traffic collisions. If that is the case, chances are your premium will be expensive.
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Number of claims
Another thing that will allow the provider to calculate the price of your insurance policy is the number of claims in your history. Overall, the driver that has two totalled cars in their records will have pricier premiums compared to others that only have claims for minor incidents. That’s why a way to avoid expensive policies is by following the rules and avoiding any kind of collision.
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Increase mileage
If you are somebody who travels a lot in your car due to work or family responsibilities, you are likely to have abnormal driving patterns. This means you spend more time on the road than the average driver. This situation puts you more at risk of being involved in any type of car accident. For this reason, the insurance company will calculate higher premiums for your car protection.
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Credit history
If you are afraid you might be paying too much for car insurance, it will be wise to check your credit history. Most insurance companies use your credit score to determine the value of your premiums since it is the only way they can evaluate how you handle debt. The same thing will happen if you have no credit history.
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Insurance history
All insurance companies will also check your insurance history with other providers to make sure you do all the payments in time and that there are no gaps. For instance, if at any point you have cancelled your policy because you were abroad, that could increase the price of the insurance.
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Location
If you live in a dangerous spot in the city where there are high theft and vandalism rates, your insurance may be more expensive compared to others. However, if your house is located somewhere with few insurance claims, your premiums will be more affordable.
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Deductible
As you might know by now, the deductible of your policy is the amount of money you will have to pay out of your pocket before receiving coverage. That’s why if you are looking for a way to reduce the amount you pay every month, you should increase the deductible.
These are just a handful of the most critical elements that insurance companies will evaluate to determine the value of your insurance policies. But if you want to find out if you are paying too much for car insurance, take a look at these additional factors.
Reasons why you are paying too much for car insurance
If you ask an expert, “am I paying too much for car insurance?” They will tell you to look at the factors that help insurance companies determine the premiums. However, there is an extra list of elements that can help you figure out if your policy is more expensive than what it should be.
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You don’t own a home
It might come as a surprise, but some insurance companies will charge higher premiums to renters. Even though that is not always the case, it is vital to talk to your insurance agent about this factor. If that is the case, we recommend you shop around a bit more, and purchase your car insurance with another company.
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Bad performance in crash studies
When you purchase a car, it is vital to look at the latest crash studies. The score in this test can have a big impact on your premiums. The only thing you need to do to check it out is look for it on the internet. To have an accurate search, remember to have the model of the vehicle you desire.
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Luxury cars
People who have a high-end car are more likely to have higher insurance policies. This happens because in the event of a collision, it will be more expensive to repair the damages. That’s why, before purchasing this type of car, it is crucial to make sure you can afford the special premiums that come with it.
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Not bundling policies
The majority of insurance companies offer special types of discounts for people that purchase several insurance policies with them, which is called bundling. If you have coverage for your home with another provider, we advise you to choose only one company for full coverage. That way, you can get a larger discount.
Are you paying too much for your car insurance in Canada?
If you feel like your rates are too high, it may be time to consider switching providers.
Every insurance company is different, and offers various plans at a variety of rates. Doing some research could help you save a significant portion of your insurance expenses.
