Very Cheap Auto Insurance - Tips That Guarantee Affordable Car Insurance Rates

Friday, August 7, 2009

Your Insurance Premiums Can Depend On Your History

By Graham McKenzie

Getting a quote for car or truck Insurance is easy but there is a little known hidden fact about the premiums when you get the quote for your Insurance agent. Premiums are pre determined on the basis of your previous Insurance history and if it is your first policy or if it is your brand new policy ,the percentage offered by the Insurance companies is usually greater than a having a strong history of previous Insurance coverage.

Many will argue that the lack of insurance history should not increase one's premiums. Regardless, among the many considerations in determining premiums are an applicant's demonstrated ability to maintain their payment schedule, their proclivity for making claims on their past policies, and their demonstrated clean driving record. A failing in any of these areas will have the effect of markedly increasing your premiums to a much higher rate than you would prefer.

One thing they can check easily is your credit history. Be sure you have a track record of paying your bills on time. For example, if you've let a previous policy lapse because you quit paying the premiums, you can bet that will cost you when it comes time to deal with your new insurance company. They want to get paid! And now you look like you might not take that seriously.

If you are a new driver, if you have a string of traffic tickets, if you have had traffic accidents, if you have submitted _insurance claims_ for accidents, if you've let policies lapse due to non-payment... any (or, you poor sap, _all_) of these things make you a high-risk customer. You can still find insurance, but you will definitely pay a price. You'll have a higher down payment, higher premiums, a higher deductible, and generally less coverage.

So once you have started a policy, be sure to complete it. If you want to establish yourself as a desirable customer, purchase a policy for six months. Drive carefully, _don't_ get any tickets, and make your payments regularly and promptly. When it's time to renew, get out the phone book and start checking other brokers. Now that you have a good insurance history, other insurers will be eager for your business. Your original insurer will be reluctant to lose you, and will most likely match any quote you get from another company. Your next six months could end up costing you hundreds of dollars less than your first.

It never hurts to shop around for a better rate at policy renewal time. Your current insurance company would be happy to keep you on at last year's higher rate. It's up to you to have them review your policy. If you change jobs or change your address, you may have a shorter and/or safer drive to work. Changes like these can make you eligible for lower premiums, so review your policy when they happen. Now that you have a good history, other insurers will want your business, and they'll offer you lower rates to get it. Your current insurer, remember, will want to keep you, so they'll also make you a better offer.

Always do your homework when choosing an insurance policy. Keep your driving and payment histories spotless. _Never_ let a policy simply lapse. This will make you a highly desirable insurance risk. Now shop around for the best offers. You'll get them.

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