1. What you can do to keep your car insurance rates in check
You’ve gotten a great deal for your car insurance. It’s easy on your pocket, you can make payments
without any trouble; you’re good to go. But wait. Before you get very excited, it’s important to keep in
mind that there are things you could do (unknowingly so) that might cause your insurance rates to jump.
If you want to make sure your insurance rates stay reasonable and affordable, it’s time you took tiny
measures of precaution right about now. Here is what you can do to keep your car insurance rates in
check.
Letting someone who isn’t on your policy drive your car
Many a time you might have lent your car to a friend or relative to maybe a run a quick errand. Your
friend or relative could be a responsible, safe driver, but you need to remember that if (at all) they meet
with an accident while driving your car, there’s a very good chance you’re going to face a hike in your car
insurance rates. Some insurance companies might even cancel your policy depending on the nature and
severity of the accident. It’s always better to refrain from lending out your car to someone isn’t insured
on your policy as a safety precaution.
Lying on your car insurance application
You might do it to save some money, but this is a big mistake; one that should be avoided at all costs.
It’s important to be absolutely honest and transparent about your credit and driving history (and all
other details) while filling out your car insurance application form. Some people might not intentionally
lie and could forget a few minor details here or there, but this could land them in trouble when their
omissions get found. Insurance companies do a background check on all their customers and a lie is
bound to be found sooner or later. Once this happens, there’s a good chance your policy could get
cancelled, your rates could increase or you could be charged with fraud (depending on the nature of the
lie). Why take a chance when you could be honest and have everything work out smoothly instead?
Adding a high risk driver to your policy
A teen is considered to be a high risk driver by insurance companies. Their lack of experience increases
their chances of meeting with an accident while driving. Other than teens, anyone who has a history of
traffic violations, DUIs, speeding tickets is viewed as a high risk driver and adding someone like that
could very well increase your car insurance rates. For teen drivers, your best bet is to shop around for
a vehicle insurance company that charges reasonable rates to young, inexperienced drivers or at least
a vehicle insurance company that offers discounts that young drivers can use to bring down their rates.
Missing credit card payments
Car insurance companies check your credit history. It’s important for you to maintain a good credit score
in order to keep your insurance rates in check. Missing payments could result in a hike in insurance
rates.
Be careful and smart about car insurance and you’ll never have to worry about your increases in rates!