Like in other states, the factors that affect insurance rates in District of Columbia are quite significant and should be carefully studied and analyzed before you apply for auto insurance policy. This would help you lower your insurance rates substantially. Already questions are asked about the affordability of auto insurance. Since Washington, DC ranks third highest for insurance rates in US, particular care should be given to the factors that affect insurance rates and try to obtain lower rates. Statistics reveal that the insurance costs jumped 14% from October, 2007 to October, 2008 to $2952.
Factors that Affect Insurance Rates in Washington, DC
- Age and gender
- Driving history and driving record
- Past instances of accidents
- Marital status
- Mileage of driving in one month and in one year
- Credit history and credit rating
- The make, model, and power rating of the vehicle
- Other factors that vary from one insurance company to another
You should understand that the quotes by the insurance companies would vary widely due to their different perceptions about you and your personal details. If you had been having a long relationship with a particular insurance company, it might help you get lower insurance rates. However, it would not harm you to look around and obtain quotes from a few other insurance companies, so that you could ascertain your strengths and weaknesses.
You should never allow any of insurance policies to lapse even by a day or two. The insurance companies would list you in a high risk bracket if it happens and the insurance rates would be hiked accordingly. You should take care to renew the insurance policies in time. You should also be prompt in your monthly payments. Delayed payments and constant defaults would work against you when you ask for renewal of the auto insurance policy or request a new quote from another insurance company.
Several discounts would be offered by insurance companies but they would not reveal them voluntarily to you. You should be able to enquire and find out in detail what kind of discounts you are eligible for. Discounts for good driving history, higher credit score, higher deductibles, installation of safety and security devices etc. should be thoroughly discussed with the insurance company. It might not be possible to combine all the discounts available to you to reduce the insurance rates substantially but at least one or two discounts could always be claimed, if you study all the factors involved and present them positively to the insurance company.
Since District of Columbia auto insurance rates are among the highest in the United States, it is important that you analyze the factors involved in reducing the insurance rates and take maximum advantage. One clue to achieve this is to start thinking like an insurance company. When you understand clearly the factors affect insurance rates and work on them, you would definitely be able to obtain lower insurance rates quite easily.
