Well you have to have car insurance by law but the increases in premiums over the last few years are in themselves criminal and are beginning to hurt people’s finances. With the rising costs of gas in addition to premiums, many people are finding it difficult and deciding not to insure their cars at all. Although the method used to calculate premiums is complicated, there are methods you can use to reduce the amount you pay and learning these would be a wise move.

The age of the person can have a big effect on car insurance cost and generally, people under the age of 25 will pay a much higher premium; this is because providers believe that they have not had their license long enough to demonstrate good driving habits. A large percentage of accidents in the United States are caused by people under the age of 25 driving in an unsafe manner. So the insurance companies who have to pay out on these accidents ensure that those people who are under twenty five will pay more for their protection.

The next large determining factor is they type of vehicle you drive and sports cars which are usually driven fast attract a higher car insurance premium than say a family sedan. The insurer will also add more onto your premium if you drive a car that is expensive as they are carrying a greater risk if it is involved in an accident. Savings on premiums can be made by buying a later model of the car you like or finding one that is built to a higher standard.

Insurers also look at a driver’s record for accidents and convictions as this tells them about their driving ability and the risk they may be taking by insuring them. If your record show a number of accident, tickets issued by the Police for speeding or dangerous driving then you can expect to pay more for your car insurance than someone who has a clean driving record. Good drivers are also less likely to make a claim unlike drivers with convictions or a history of accidents that are more likely (and inclined) too.

With the cost of everything rising steadily, it makes sense to do whatever you can to save money on necessary expenditures, such as car insurance. Even more factors than this will affect an individual’s premium but those listed here are the most important. If you are serious about reducing the amount you pay each year for your auto premium you will pay attention to the information laid out here.