How Driving Habits Affect How Much Auto Insurance To Buy

Just as your driving habits can affect your auto insurance premiums, they can also affect how much auto insurance you should buy.

 

When to Decrease Your Auto Insurance

You might not need high levels of car insurance coverage if:

• You drive in low risk areas. If you live in a slow-paced, rural area where you generally only pass a few other cars on your way to work or the grocery store, you probably don’t need a high amount of auto insurance.

• You drive infrequently. Maybe you’re a retired senior and you like to take it easy, or maybe you work from home and only venture out once or twice a week. If you don’t drive a lot, you might not need much coverage.

• You drive defensively. If you’re a darn good driver and have the defensive driving course certificate to prove it, you might be able to skimp on extra coverage―if other factors allow it, of course (see below).

• You’re the only driver on your policy. If you’re the only person you have to worry about, and you know you’re a pretty good driver, you might consider lowering your car insurance coverage.

 

When to Increase Your Auto Insurance

No matter what kinds of economic times we’re in, it’s always smart to save money wherever you can―but, only when you can.

When it comes to purchasing car insurance, it’s probably not best to skimp if:

• You drive in high risk areas. Especially highly populated cities where there are plenty of other motorists on the roads.

• You drive a lot. Whether it’s for work or play, the more you drive, the more you risk being involved in an auto accident of some sort.

• You have a lead foot. If you tend to speed, your chances of being involved in a car accident―whether it’s with another vehicle or a tree―are higher than those of a slower driver. This means you should protect yourself with more coverage.

• There’s anyone else on your policy. Even if you think you’re the safest driver since the advent of the DMV, you can’t control other drivers―including those on your policy. You know, the ones whose driving habits also affect your coverage needs.

 

Before Deciding How Much Auto Insurance to Buy

The above lists include solid reasons why you might increase or decrease your car insurance coverage based on your driving habits; however, note that many other factors go into determining how much coverage you should―or must―purchase.

Before you start shopping for car insurance, or asking your agent about how to lower your coverage, think about:

• Your state requirements. You already know that most states and the District of Columbia requires either a certain amount of liability coverage (which typically handles bodily and personal injury coverage) or some other proof of financial responsibility before you can register and drive your vehicle; however, make sure you understand any additional coverage types your state requires. For example, does your state require personal injury protection (PIP) in addition to liability coverage? You can’t skimp on the legal requirements.

• Your vehicle. If your vehicle is fairly new, an antique, or otherwise super valuable, cutting back on auto insurance isn’t the best idea.

• Your lender. If you financed your vehicle, chances are your lender requires a certain amount of comprehensive and collision coverage (coverage types that are optional for folks who own their vehicle outright) until you pay off your auto loan.

• Your bank account. If you don’t have enough in your savings account to replace or repair your vehicle in the event of an accident, vandalism, or theft, purchasing additional coverage (such as collision and comprehensive) is probably a better financial decision than saving money on monthly premiums by purchasing the bare minimum.

If any of these factors force you to buy more coverage, don’t worry: You can still save money with auto insurance discounts―especially if you practice safe driving habits.