Car Insurance Rate Factors

Find out about the many factors used by insurers to determine your car insurance rate including car accidents, tickets, where you live, marital status, the type of car you drive, your occupation, and more.

The Cost of Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds

Car insurance for 17-year-olds is expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to shave hundreds of dollars off your rate.

Cheapest Liability Car Insurance

For most drivers, State Farm has the cheapest liability-only car insurance at $70 per month.

car insurance average cost

Average Cost of Car Insurance

The average cost of car insurance is $81 per month if you buy minimum coverage. Compare quotes from several companies to get your best rate.

18 year old driver

The Best, Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds

Car insurance for 18-year-olds is expensive. We'll help you find the best, cheapest rates as a new driver.

DUI record with car keys, whiskey and handcuffs

How Does a DUI Affect Car Insurance Rates?

Car insurance rates go up an average of $124 a month after a DUI. Learn why, plus the best insurance companies for DUIs.

Car Insurance for New Drivers

Auto insurance costs more for those with no prior driving experience, but these tips can help new drivers save money.

teen driving car

Best Cheap Car Insurance for Teens and Young Drivers

Car insurance for young drivers can get expensive. Here's a look at how much it costs and what you can do to save money.

Thief breaking into car

What To Do if Your Car is Stolen

Basic auto insurance doesn’t cover car theft unless you have comprehensive car insurance. Even then, you have to make sure you're taking the right steps and after your car has been stolen.

How Long Does a DUI or DWI Stay on Your Driving Record?

A DUI or DWI usually stays on your driving record for five to 10 years and your insurance record for three to five years.

man upset after car crash

What You Need to Do When You're Hit by an Uninsured Driver

There are millions of drivers on the road without insurance coverage. Here's what to do if someone without car insurance hits your vehicle.

sad man in front of wrecked car

How Long Does an Accident Affect Your Car Insurance Rate?

A car accident usually affects your insurance rates for three years. Here are steps you can take to save before then.

driver pulled over for speeding

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Driving Record?

Speeding tickets usually stay on your record for three to five years. Here's how your insurance rates are affected.

8 Things You Need to Know About Cars with Rebuilt Titles

Cars with rebuilt titles can save you money. But they can also be risky. Here's what you need to know before you buy one.

red light camera

Red Light Cameras, Speeding Cameras and Car Insurance Rates

Find out when, why and how tickets from speeding or red light cameras impact your car insurance rates and driving record.

Best Car Insurance for Senior Citizens

Auto-Owners and Erie have the best rates for seniors. State Farm is the cheapest large company, and American Family leads in customer service.

At What Age Do Car Insurance Premiums Go Down?

People with a clean driving history will see their car insurance rates drop considerably around age 25. Find out how your rates compare.

new drivers in car

Car Insurance Costs for 20-Year-Olds

The average cost of car insurance for a 20-year-old driver is $86 per month for a minimum liability policy. Here's how to get cheap coverage at age 20.

Cheapest Car Insurance for a Bad Driving Record

If you have a bad driving record, American Family, State Farm and USAA have the cheapest car insurance rates. Compare quotes from several companies to get your best price.

 man and woman sitting in car

Car Insurance Costs for Men vs. Women

Men and women tend to pay different premiums for car insurance. We can help you understand why and get your best rate.

The Cost of Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

Nineteen-year-olds pay some of the highest auto insurance rates. We have suggestions to help cut costs.

How to Insure Cars with Salvage or Rebuilt Titles

Getting car insurance for a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title can be tricky, but not impossible. Here’s how to do it.

What is Non-Standard Auto Insurance?

If you have a few dings on your record, non-standard car insurance can put you on the path to lower future rates.

Worried Car Accident Driver

9 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Wondering what to do after a car accident? Our nine steps include staying put, taking photos and exchanging information.

college student in library

Cheap Car Insurance for College Students

Find out how college students and their parents can keep car insurance premiums low.

insurance policy with keys and money

Why Did My Car Insurance Company Raise My Rates?

Wondering why your car insurance went up? Here are the most common reasons for auto insurance premium increases.

Best & Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers Under 25

Drivers under 25 pay more for car insurance than older drivers. We can help you find the best coverage for your money.

passengers riding in car back seat

Are Passengers Covered by Your Car Insurance Policy?

Whether or not passengers are covered by your car insurance policy depends on what state you live in and what type of coverage you have.

teen driver with graduated drivers license

Graduated Driver License Programs for Teen Drivers

Learn why states offer graduated driver’s licenses, what they (usually) consist of, and how they lower the teen accident rate.

cars in a minor bender bender accident

Should I File a Car Insurance Claim for a Minor Car Accident?

Sometimes filing a claim with your car insurance company isn't in your best interest. Here's when you shouldn't file a claim and why.

Officer writing a ticket

Is a Citation the Same as a Ticket?

Citations and tickets are essentially the same thing, and getting a ticket can hurt your insurance rates.

car with broken side window

Car Broken Into: What Does My Car Insurance Cover?

If someone broke into your vehicle, your insurance company should pay for damages to your car if you have comprehensive coverage.

What Are the Different Types of Auto Insurance Fraud?

Soft fraud and hard fraud are the two common types of car insurance fraud. We'll explain the difference between the two.

How Car Make and Model Impact Auto Insurance Costs

Different cars have different insurance costs. Find out how your car make and model affects your auto insurance rates.

What Happens if I Have a Car Insurance Lapse?

If your car insurance lapses, you can face fines, higher rates and difficulty getting coverage in the future.

gavel scales and law books

Cost Benefit of Hiring a DUI Lawyer

Attorneys are expensive, but a DUI can cost you even more. So, is a DUI lawyer a good investment? Our research says yes, it is.

two cars in accident

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

A car insurance claim can get you back to normal. Here's what to know before you contact the insurance company.

The Best Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

Do you have multiple accidents or tickets on your record? Here’s how to get cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver.

woman adjusting rear view mirror

Telematics Car Insurance: How Does it Work? Should I Get it?

Telematics devices are used by auto insurers to evaluate and reward good driving habits. Here's what you need to know.

young driver leaning out car window giving thumbs up

How Long Can You Stay on Your Parents’ Car Insurance Policy?

Find out how long you can stay on your parents’ car insurance policy, and how to save money when you get your own.

traffic lawyer reading a law book

Traffic Tickets: When Should You Fight Them?

Challenging a traffic ticket isn't always the best option. We explain when you should fight and when you should just pay.

angry woman talking on phone

What to Do if Your Car Insurance Claim Was Denied and Reasons it Was Denied

Car insurance companies can and do deny claims. Find out how to prevent it from happening to you, and what you can do if your claim is rejected.

Smashed Windshield

Will My Car Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?

Windshield damage can be caused by anything from a rock to a break-in. Here's what to do if your glass chips or shatters and how to file a claim.

age and auto insurance rates

How Your Age Impacts Car Insurance Rates

Are you a seasoned driver or did you just get your license? Are you considered a youngster or elder? Find out how your age impacts your car insurance prices.

Car almost completely submerged by flood water

Does Car Insurance Cover Flood and Water Damage?

Auto insurance may cover damage due to flood if you have comprehensive coverage. Fortunately, it's pretty affordable.

glass of whiskey car keys handcuffs and fingerprints

What Happens When You Get a DUI

Serious penalties, like losing your license and seeing your car insurance rates skyrocket, often follow DUI convictions.

pin on map

How Your Location Affects Car Insurance Premiums

Car insurance companies use your state and ZIP code to calculate your rates. We'll help you understand the process.

car insurance checklist

Car Insurance Rate Factors

Several factors such as your age, vehicle and where you live determine your car insurance rate. We'll help explain.

tree fell on car

Does Insurance Cover a Tree Falling on My Car?

If your car is hit by a tree, your comprehensive insurance should cover it. But it could depend on where the tree is located.

breaking into car

How to Prevent Car Theft

Auto theft is a rampant problem. Here's how to prevent your car from being stolen, and protect your finances if it is.

car insurance form stamped cancelled

Car Insurance After Cancellation

If your car insurance is cancelled or not renewed, you'll need to get a new policy quickly. We'll help you get covered.

Why Is Car Insurance Expensive?

You can have a high car insurance rate for many reasons, such as your driving record and the age of your vehicle.

speeding ticket word cloud graphic

How Do Driver’s License Points Affect Car Insurance Rates?

Tickets and traffic violations can add points to your driving record. Here's what that means and what to do about it.

ticket on windshield

How Do Parking Tickets Affect Your Car Insurance Rates?

While getting a parking ticket won’t directly hurt your auto insurance rates, not paying it can lead to trouble for you.

deer in road hit by car

Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting Deer or Other Animals?

If you have the right kind of auto insurance, it should cover car damage caused by hitting a deer or other animal.

driver in front of totaled car

Totaled Cars: What Happens When an Insurer Totals Your Car

Here’s what it means when an insurance company declares your car a total loss, what you can do about it and more.