7 Deadly Mistakes That Make Your Car Insurance Sky-High
When it comes to car insurance, there are certain things you should never do if you want to keep your rates low. Here are seven of the most common mistakes that can cost you hundreds of dollars each year:
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Driving without insurance. This is the most basic mistake you can make, and it can have serious consequences. If you're caught driving without insurance, you could face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In addition, you'll be responsible for any damages you cause to other people or property.
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Filing too many claims. Every time you file a claim, your insurance rates will go up. That's because insurance companies view you as a higher risk driver if you've had multiple accidents or claims. If you can, try to avoid filing claims for minor accidents.
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Getting tickets. Speeding tickets, reckless driving tickets, and other traffic violations can all lead to higher insurance rates. That's because insurance companies see you as a higher risk driver if you have a history of traffic violations.
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Having a bad credit score. Your credit score is a major factor in determining your car insurance rates. Insurance companies use your credit score to assess your financial responsibility. If you have a bad credit score, you'll be seen as a higher risk driver and you'll pay higher rates.
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Driving an expensive car. The more expensive your car is, the higher your insurance rates will be. That's because expensive cars are more likely to be stolen or damaged.
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Living in a high-risk area. If you live in an area with a high crime rate or a lot of accidents, your insurance rates will be higher. That's because insurance companies view you as a higher risk driver if you live in a dangerous area.
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Being a young driver. Young drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. That's why insurance rates for young drivers are typically much higher than rates for older drivers.
If you want to keep your car insurance rates low, it's important to avoid these seven mistakes. By following these tips, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars each year.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates
If you're paying too much for car insurance, there are a few things you can do to lower your rates. Here are five tips:
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Shop around. Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies before you buy a policy. You may be surprised at how much you can save by switching insurance companies.
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Increase your deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. By increasing your deductible, you can lower your insurance rates.
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Take a defensive driving course. Defensive driving courses can teach you how to avoid accidents and reduce your risk of getting tickets. Insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who have completed defensive driving courses.
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Install safety devices. Installing safety devices such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices can lower your insurance rates.
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Maintain a good driving record. The best way to lower your car insurance rates is to maintain a good driving record. Avoid getting tickets and accidents, and your rates will stay low.
By following these tips, you can save money on your car insurance and protect yourself from financial ruin in the event of an accident.