get the lowest possible auto insurance prices


If you own or lease a car in most states it is mandatory that all drivers have car insurance. Depending on the type of car and type of ownership car insurance rates can become very expensive, especially in California. Knowing this, one way to get cheap California auto insurance is to know at least some of the factors that affect your rates so that wiser decisions can be made in choosing the car to drive and choosing insurance coverage.


One of the main factors affecting a car insurance rate is your driving record. If you have the misfortune of being in accidents, especially of a severe nature, it is almost guaranteed that your rates will be high. The insurance companies view a driving record as a report on possible liability. The more liability the more risk a company has to take to insure a driver with a blemished driving record. The best advice for improving your driving record is to take the necessary classes authorized by a local motor vehicle administration and become diligent about improving your driving habits. Don't speed, don't drive intoxicated and don't participate in any activities that will cause points to be added to your record. If you follow these tips eventually your driving record will improve and one day you may qualify for more affordable rates and lower premiums.


Another factor affecting car insurance rates is the type of car you drive. People usually only think about what type of car they want and not how much it will cost to insure. It is definitely important to consider the insurance costs on certain vehicles prior to purchase. If you own a luxury vehicle where parts and repair and labor are expensive you should be prepared to pay higher car insurance. The more money an insurance company may have to pay for a possible accident or repair the more money the customer will pay for the car insurance. In addition, cars that have a high level of theft will also require more to insure. This means that a car that is relatively affordable to purchase could cost a lot to insure merely because it's easy to steal and because ultimately the insurance company will have to pay up. In all, considering the type of car you drive prior to purchase can help reduce insurance rates.


Finally, poor credit affects the cost of car insurance. Many people think this is unfair as they believe that credit has absolutely nothing to do with driving. Many claim that the insurance companies don't take a risk with bad credit applicants because if you don't pay your insurance the policy is simply cancelled. Despite these arguments, it is the case that people with poor credit pay more for car insurance like with any other service from purchasing a car or buying a home. If you want to improve your insurance rate it would be very advantageous to thoroughly settle negative debts and then reapply for insurance after your credit rating has improved to get a better rate.


Including the factors listed above; there are many reasons why auto insurance rates vary from person to person. Knowing the reasons for why your rate is not as affordable as you'd like can help you to take the necessary steps to improve your car insurance rates.