When someone tells you that they have very cheap car insurance then you need to be cautious. What kind of insurance profile does that individual have that would give them the benefit of very cheap car insurance? People will often complain about their car insurance rates to a friend or neighbor and too often that neighbor or friend will claim that their insurance is much cheaper. That may be true for a number of reasons. We don’t all drive the same cars. We don’t have the same driving records. We have different ages of drivers. There are a whole lot of variables in the criteria that make up the car insurance rate.

Rating Criteria

Credit Reports – Most of the insurance companies use credit as part of the equation when setting rates. Some people do not understand the relationship. Actuaries have come up with the statistics that prove credit to be a significant rating factor. There is a stability factor and relationship to accident frequency that coincides with the credit history.

Vehicle Types – This can be kind of tricky. Some newer vehicles actually have better rates than the older vehicles because of all the safety features. Some vehicles have high theft rates. Make sure that you get the vehicle identification number of any new vehicle purchase and give it to your insurance company to obtain your new rate.

Rating Territory – You are stuck with this one unless you move to another geographical area.

Driver Info – The driving records and ages of your drivers will play a significant part in your rate.

Discounts – There are several ways to discount your car insurance. Purchase the home policy with the auto policy to get a multi-policy discount. Good student and drivers training discounts are available to young drivers with some companies. Retirement discounts and discounts for taking a mature driving course are available for senior citizens.

The cheaper rate is really up to you. Do your home work and ask your insurance company a lot of questions.