Car insurance is a requirement for all drivers in most states. Many of them allow insurers to set their auto insurance rates based on age and gender. Statistically speaking, being perceived as lower-risk drivers, women often pay lower car insurance premiums than men.
Other Factors Influencing Car Insurance Rates
Even though there are no particular standards on how car insurance rates are set, some factors that are considered include:
- the cost, size, make, and model of the car
- susceptibility to theft
- driving record
- duration of driver’s license
- annual mileage of the car
- presence of anti-theft system
It is easier to assess some risks than others, and statistics show that teenage male drivers tend to be riskier than other categories. Still, each insurer has its own set of rules for determining prices.
Why Is Gender a Factor in Determining Car Insurance Rates?
Higher risk results in a significant increase in insurance rates. Men are considered to drive more than women and are more likely to be involved in accidents, get tickets, or be arrested for DUI. The teenage age group is considered the riskiest of all and the most inexperienced, and they pay the most for car insurance. Male teenagers pay more than female teenagers. They are twice as likely to be killed in road accidents than their female counterpart. These are some of the reasons why female drivers pay less for car insurance than men.
Although females pay lower than men, sometimes, depending on the age, location, or the insurer, there might be a few exceptions. Female drivers living in accident-prone areas will be charged higher premiums than men living in or commuting through safer neighborhoods. Similarly, women belonging to older age groups (say 40-60) are often charged more than same-aged men.
Car Insurance Discounts for Women
Though there are no special discounts offered for women alone, the following are a few ways in which women can save on car insurance :
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Shop around
It is good to compare quotes from multiple providers before deciding on any policy. If you already have a car insurance policy, you should review it periodically to make sure that you are getting the best rates.
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Bundle policies
You can bundle multiple policies (say by getting a single policy for multiple vehicles or by bundling your car and home insurance) for better rates.
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Keep a clean record
Your premiums will also depend on your driving records. Avoiding accidents will not only keep your rates low but will also make you eligible for greater discounts through the telematics program (usage-based insurance).
Note that though gender is one of the factors used by insurers to determine your auto insurance premiums, it is not the only one. Are you looking for the best car insurance near you? If so, then contact the experts at Pierce Insurance Group. Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your auto insurance needs today.