To save money on car insurance, know how to find your car insurance rating. Insurance companies rely on your insurance rating tiers to determine your premium, but they still use your personal information, like credit score and location, to help them make their decision. If you find yourself in the bottom tier, there are steps you can take to move up and save on your premium. Listed below are a few of these steps.
Credit-based insurance scores
Many car insurance companies use a credit-based car insurance score to determine a driver’s risk for filing a claim. But these scores aren’t quite as simple as the scores creditors use to determine who is likely to make late payments and default. Instead, insurers use your credit score to predict your risk for filing claims, and they can vary considerably based on how long you’ve had a credit-based insurance history.
The Insurance Information Institute uses information from your credit report to create a three-digit score. This score is based on factors including payment history, total debt, and other risk factors. Car insurance companies use your credit score to determine whether you can qualify for a payment plan, as well as your driving history and claims history. These scores can be misleading, however. Here’s what you should know about credit-based car insurance scores.
Claims history
If you’re wondering how to find your car insurance rating using claims history, you’re in luck. While every insurer weighs past claims differently, all keep detailed records for seven years. Having an accident could make you pay hundreds of dollars more per year than if you don’t have a history. It’s best to get quotes from multiple companies, as each company will weigh your claims history differently.
When applying for a new policy, many insurance companies ask you about your claims history, and this information is important to an insurer. A recent at-fault accident or violation may make you a higher risk for an insurance company. Additionally, insurers consider your territory, and can base their rates on this. For example, if you live in an urban area, your insurer may place you in a higher-risk category.
Credit score
If you want to get a cheaper car insurance rate, there are many ways to do so. A credit-based insurance score will be the basis for your policy’s premium, and it includes five key factors, such as payment history, outstanding debt, length of credit history, and the mix of credit. The best way to improve your credit-based rating is to avoid new credit accounts, make timely payments on all existing accounts, and avoid obtaining new credit. You can also ask your insurance company if they use a credit-based insurance score when deciding on an insurance plan for your vehicle.
You should be aware that your credit score and your insurance score are not the same. Your credit score is used to let lenders know what you can and cannot pay, while your insurance score tells them how likely you are to make a claim. Although your credit score and your insurance score are closely related, they are not the same. To find out your insurance score, check your credit report, as each insurer uses a different formula.
Location
A car insurance rating is calculated by combining two factors: your credit score and your driving profile. Improving each one requires a different approach. If you have a low score, avoid opening new credit card accounts or making new purchases with credit card loans. Choose a safe model of car. If you have a high insurance rating, you may want to consider moving to a cheaper zip code and driving less. You may also wish to pay less for your car insurance.
Each insurance company has different tiers that determine your insurance score. For example, you may be a preferred tier with one insurer but a standard tier with another. For example, if you have a clean driving history and have had no lapse in your coverage, you would be in the preferred tier. This is often the best option for you if you have no accidents or other serious factors. If you’re not sure what your rating is, check out LexisNexis. This site is a good source of insurance score information.
Discounts
The key to saving money on car insurance is finding out how to get discounts. Some companies will offer discounts based on your driving history or customer loyalty. Others may offer discounts for specific jobs or affiliations. If you’re a homeowner, you can even get a discount by bundling your auto and home insurance policies. Lastly, many companies offer discounts for vehicle safety features. Check out your auto insurance company’s website to find out if you qualify for any of these special discounts.
If you’ve had your policy for a while, you may qualify for discounts from your existing insurance provider. In some cases, discounts will be based on the insurer’s perception of your risk, so make sure you check your policy’s terms. Once you’ve compiled a list of possible savings, focus on those that can save you the most money. By taking the time to compare policies, you’ll soon find that you’re getting the best deal.
