Calculating Insurance Premiums, what do I need to know?
Insurance is a tedious subject that means a lot of different things to different people. What does insurance mean to you? Insurance is very tough to calculate, so tough in fact, that insurance agencies hire large staffs whose only responsibility is to calculate insurance premiums.
Car insurance is one of the more vital and recognizable insurances you will ever be covered under. Why is it so important? Car insurance more than any other type of insurance, rewards people that play it safe and our smart. The older you get, the more discount on your premium you are awarded.
The history is also factored into the equation. Accidents are generally not treated kindly in the insurance industry, especially if it was your fault. One small mistake in a vehicle and you may face years of inflated insurance premiums. It may not be fair in your opinion, but the car insurance company views accidents and those involved in them as “high risk.”
When a driver is involved in an accident and it’s his or her fault, points are deducted from the license. The amount of points various from the seriousness of the accident or offense, so if you lose too many points, your license is revoked. Drivers are also required to notify the car insurance provider of any accidents or if the car is stolen. This helps keep the insurance company up to date with your policy.
Understandably, drivers who are busted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are immediately arrested and their license revoked. This could range from one to five years. It often depends on the driver’s past record and if he or she is a repeat drug user. When and if the driver is allowed to drive again he or she will find outrageous premiums, and rightly so.
Most drivers understand the rules and laws of the road and they do their best to respect them. Car insurance rewards people that do their best to not speed or get in an accident. In fact, every year a driver goes without an accident or major traffic violation, the insurance company awards the driver with a discount on his or her premium for the following year.
Unfortunately, if you are in an accident, and especially if you’re the one at fault ? you car insurance is going to go up. It’s just the way of the game. That is why some people wish not to mention the accident to the insurance provider. The downside is the driver pays for the repair damages, but the positive of the situation is the driver’s car insurance does not revoke its “no claims” bonus at the end of the year.
Keep a clean record and avoid an accident at all costs. If you do get in one, understand these mistakes happen. Sometimes you cannot avoid it or you just had one of those idiotic moments. No matter the case, consistently do your best and watch your insurance drop.
Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal
Tags: Auto Insurance, Automobiles, car insurance, cars, finance, insurance, Money
