Popular Auto Insurance Myths You Can Ignore
You may have been driving around in a non-descript beige car for years, thinking you’re paying lower premiums than if you bought the car of your dreams: a shiny, red one. Well, you should have bought the candy-colored car, after all. Auto insurance companies do not factor in the color of your vehicle when they determine your rate. However, they do consider the make, model, year and engine size of your vehicle. Here are some other car insurance myths you can ignore, when you apply for auto insurance quotes.
Sport-car drivers get more tickets
A study a few years ago found that Hummer drivers were more than four times as likely to get traffic tickets than the average driver. Quality Planning, a San Francisco company which helps insurers identify risks, also discovered that drivers of some other models not known for being particularly sporty or speedy also had a higher than average number of tickets. Drivers of the Toyota Camry, Solara and Matrix, as well as the Subaru Outback also made the most-ticketed list. Of course, drivers of some high-performance cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and the CLK63 AMG racked up more than their share of violations. However, be aware that insurers have their own risk profiles when determining insurance rates. Make sure you shop around, when you obtain auto insurance quotes.
Newer cars are stolen more often
Older vehicles tend to be the top choice among thieves, according to the most recent National Insurance Crime Bureau report released in 2008. The 1995 Honda Civic topped the list followed by the 1991 Honda Accord and the 1989 Toyota Camry. Other favorites include earlier models of the Acura Integra and Nissan Sentra. Thieves target these vehicles to sell their parts on the black market, according to the NICB. A more recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute for insured vehicles bought between one and three years ago found thieves are also drawn to luxury vehicles with high horsepower engines. Claims for theft were highest for the Cadillac Escalade, the Ford F-250, the Infiniti G37 and the Dodge Charger Hemi. (In contrast, the NCIB list covers all vehicles, not just those insured for theft, and all years.) If your car has anti-theft devices, ask about a discount when you apply for auto insurance quotes.
Hybrid owners are safer, more responsible drivers
Many insurers give hybrid owners discounts up to as much as 10 percent on their premiums. Hybrid car drivers benefit from having a similar reputation as minivan drivers. Both are considered to be safer and more cautious drivers. Some insurers believe people who are socially responsible are also more responsible behind the wheel, according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, hybrid owners may lose that reputation — and their discount. A 2009 study by Quality Planning found that hybrid drivers typically drive farther, get more tickets, and have significantly more expensive insurance claims.
When you are ready to buy a new car policy, you can call agents in your local area, contact insurance companies directly or use InsuranceQuotes.com to instantly get competitive auto insurance quotes from the nation’s leading insurance providers. Simply fill out an online form on InsuranceQuotes.com to find the right insurance coverage at the best possible price. Take the time to protect you and your family today.
