Library: Forbes – Here’s how much life events can alter auto insurance rates
It should come as little surprise to anyone that recent bouts of inflation, extended supply- chain shortages, and more drivers taking to the road in the post-pandemic era have caused car insurance premiums to rise by double-digit figures over the past year.
According to a just-released study conducted by the personal finance website bankrate.com, the average annual cost to insure a vehicle in the U.S. is $2,014, which is up by 13.72%. It now takes 2.93% of a family’s yearly income to pay for full coverage.
The devil’s in the detail
As always, an individual’s auto insurance costs are based on a variety of personal factors that range from one’s age, gender, marital status, address, and credit rating, the make and model covered, and the insured’s driving record.
According to bankrate.com’s report, any number of life changes can greatly affect what owners will pay to cover their coveted rides.
How to influence the size of your premium
In terms of one’s motoring history, getting caught driving under the influence will raise premiums by an average 5.67%, followed by an at-fault accident at 4.15%, and getting cited for speeding at 3.52%. While those are all to be expected, causing a lapse in coverage will tend to hike up auto insurance rates by an average 3.21%, and that’s simply for neglecting to cover the cost of a renewal in a timely manner.
Those living in California will pay the biggest surcharge for getting into a single at-fault crash, with average annual rates jumping from $1,498 to $3,798. Michigan residents would be advised not to drink and drive, as being cited for a first offence DUI will hike their average yearly car insurance premiums from $2,161 to a whopping $7,337. At that, Hawaiians will see their insurance bills rise the least after getting a speeding ticket at an average $126 more annually.
Poor credit ratings cost more
Though the practice has been slammed by consumer advocates, auto insurers in most states can charge those with poor credit ratings higher premiums for what they perceive as being higher-risk drivers. Thus it pays in more ways than one to keep current with credit cards and other payments. On average, someone having a poor credit score can expect to pay nearly twice for full coverage as a driver having excellent credit.
The life event that will tend to cause the biggest hike in a family’s auto insurance premiums is all but unavoidable. On average, bankrate.com says a married couple will spend around $2,500 more per year to cover a freshly licensed driver, which amounts to a sizable 132% boost.
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