Understanding Auto Insurance Rates

Although the word "accident," by definition, means "unintentional," many accidents are the result of negligence by at least one driver. Consequently, higher insurance costs exist for everyone. These higher premiums particularly affect individuals who may be considered at a greater risk of having an accident.

Some factors that may affect your costs:

Age Matters. In order to arrive at equitable pricing, automobile insurers spread the cost of accidents over the insured population. Since younger drivers account for a greater proportion of accidents than older drivers (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2002), premium rates are generally higher for drivers under age 25. On the other hand, statistics show that elderly drivers have the second highest rate of fatal crashes (IIHS, 2002), a fact which often contributes to higher insurance premiums for older drivers.

Points for Safe Driving. Most automobile insurers use a safe driver rating plan, or some variation of it, to reward drivers who have "clean" driving records, and penalize those who have a history of accidents and/or violations. Thus, the driving records of operators listed on your policy directly affect your automobile insurance premiums.

Where You Live. Population density and the number of vehicles on the road are two other important factors that contribute to your insurance costs. As people and cars vie for limited space on the road, accidents are more likely to happen. Territories (a town, a large city, a county, or some defined geographical subdivision) are rated based on the losses, or "risk" profiles, for such areas. Premiums are weighted by the record of insurance losses, such as accidents, theft, and vandalism, as well as the history of police enforcement of traffic laws in each given territory.

Your Vehicle. Certain cars cost more than others to insure, depending on a variety of factors. Vehicles will generally be more costly to insure if they: are more expensive; a make or model that is at high risk for theft; carry lower safety ratings; or cost more to repair. A common question is, "Why isn't my policy premium going down as my car gets older?" Premiums tend not to decrease because liability concerns remain the same regardless of the age of your car.

In summary, it is the driver's record, his or her vehicle, and its use that set the basis for calculating auto insurance premiums. Some of these factors may or may not be in your control. To understand what is in your control—and how to use it to your advantage — feel free to call or e-mail us.

Contact Us

Our Risk Coaches are licensed insurance professionals who are trained to look at coverage from your perspective. They’re glad to help you navigate the often-perplexing world of insurance coverage. Contact your local Risk Coach™ professional, or call us at 800.342.5342, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Product, service, program, credit, and discount availability and limits vary by state. The information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a full explanation of products, services, or coverage. For more information, please contact Electric Insurance Company at 800.227.2757. If there are discrepancies between the information on this site and the policy, the terms in the policy apply.

Electric Insurance Company Risk Coaches help you assess your current coverages and exposure to risk based on the information you provide during your discussion with them. The services provided are for informational purposes only and do not create a professional or fiduciary relationship. Incomplete information or a change in your circumstances after your meeting may affect coverage requirements or recommendations.