Owning and using a car is a significant expense in your life. From petrol to maintenance to insurance, keeping your car road-legal and in good condition helps it to last a long time.
Sadly, some considerations can increase your car insurance that you may not be aware of. Let’s take a look at some common factors that can increase your car insurance.
Personal Matters
Location matters for several things, including your car insurance. If you live in a built-up area there are more cars on the road, so statistically you are more likely to be involved in an accident. Similarly, if there is a higher crime rate where you live, your payments will also be higher as your car has a greater chance of vandalism or theft.
Similarly, where you park your car has an influence as well. If you own a driveway you are less likely to be a victim of a crash whilst your car is parked so insurers may charge you slightly less. However, if you have to park on a main road, your risk of an accident increases so your fees will go up.
It may surprise you to know that your occupation can affect your insurance premiums. Jobs with higher stress levels are considered to be more of a risk so although many people seek more responsibility within their career, some insurers will charge you more for the privilege!
Modifications
Insurers will look at any alterations to your car that are not in the manufacturer’s specification, or an official add-on at the time of purchase. For example, enhancing the power or performance of your car with engine modifications will mean that insurers see your car as being at a higher risk of an accident.
Some modifications will not adversely affect your premiums, however. Add-ons such as parking sensors are likely to reduce the risk of an accident so whilst they will not lower your insurance costs, they are a modification that will not raise them either.
Driving History
There is a reason why insurers ask a bunch of questions about your driving history and the model of your car. Often, having a used car will bring those costs down as they are worth less, so when you are in the market for your next car, consider buying a used BMW 4 Series for a bit of luxury at a fraction of the price
Having driving offences, such as speeding, traffic offences, and any previous driving bans are also factors that will drive up your premiums. Insurers will see these as major risk factors and assume that you will repeat the offences and cost them money – even if you don’t and they are in the past.
Even being part of a minor accident that wasn’t your fault can raise a red flag for insurers. This is because you may be seen as a liability that will cost the insurance company money if you have another accident.
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