Car insurance is a mandatory expense in every state, and it can be stressful if your premium is more expensive than you expect it to be. There are a number of factors that determine what rates an insurer can offer, and VA auto insurance is dependent upon the following six factors.
1. Traffic tickets and moving violations
Perhaps the most obvious factor, insurers are going to base the rate that they quote you on your driving history as it appears on paper. If you have an unfortunate history of traffic tickets—including parking violations and non-driving offenses—you’ll likely see higher rates. Moving violations and accidents will skyrocket rates even further.
2. What kind of car you drive
It may come as a surprise that your car actually plays a large part in the rates that your insurer quotes you. This is because some cars are safer than others and are thus less expensive to insure.
3. How long you have insurance
If you have a perfect driving record but have never held a policy with an insurer, they may charge you more because you have no history with them. This is one reason why it is often cheaper to stay with your current insurance than it is to switch to a new policy.
4. The state you are driving in
Believe it or not, VA auto insurance is not necessarily the same rate as coverage in other states. Some states are safer to drive in than others, and some states have more stringent insurance requirements than others. Because of all the factors that vary between states, rates often differ dramatically, too.
5. How old you are
Generally speaking, the older you are, the less likely you are to get into an accident. This is why insurance companies quote different policy prices based on how old the applicant is. Teen drivers are particularly expensive to insure because their likelihood of involvement in an accident is drastically higher than it is for older drivers.
6. Your gender and relationship status
Just as insurance companies can quote a different rate for drivers of different ages, they can quote different rates based on your marital status and gender. Statistics show that married drivers get in fewer accidents than single ones, and some studies say that men are in more accidents than women. Because of this, an insurer can base their quote on those characteristics.
Invest in Insurance from Blue Sky Agency
For over 20 years, family-owned Blue Sky Insurance Agency has proudly specialized in insurance and tax services for Virginia residents. Our philosophy is simple: “If you can dream it, we can insure it.” We strive to provide value to our clients by establishing and building relationships and focusing on more than just rates. We are dedicated to providing holistic and strategically tailored solutions to protect all of your assets and to provide peace of mind wherever life takes you. To get in touch with us, fill out a complimentary quote form, or call us at one of our two locations:
North Chesterfield
Phone: (804) 745-4044
PO Box 35674
North Chesterfield, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Richmond
Phone: (804) 404-2030
9932 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm