On the surface, getting an auto insurance quote seems pretty straightforward. Yet knowing the questions you’ll likely be asked — and how you’ll answer them — can make the whole process smoother and more efficient. The answers to the following questions may help determine your coverage and premiums.

1. What kind of car do you own?

Your vehicle’s make, model and year are all factors that an insurance provider will consider when calculating your monthly premiums. Generally speaking, the more safety features your vehicle provides, the more apt you may be to receive coverage discounts. Sophisticated crash avoidance technology, for instance, is associated with fewer collisions and property damage liability, especially for younger drivers.¹

Another factor to consider is how attractive your particular car’s make and model is to thieves.² It may be tempting to regard newer cars as being more desirable, but anti-theft devices may make them less appealing. Meanwhile, older cars may not only be easier to steal but also more easily resold as salvage.

The more quickly and accurately you can provide details about your vehicle(s), the speedier an agent will be to provide a quote.

2. Where do you live?

When it comes to the number of motor vehicle thefts reported nationwide, it makes sense that thieves are most active in population-dense states that rely heavily upon individual transportation. Recent research³ places California, Texas, Washington and Florida at the top of the list.

At the community level, driving and parking your car on a heavily trafficked city street may present more risk for an insurance provider than a suburban or rural setting.

Yes, your premium rates may reflect all of the above residential factors tied to your ZIP code, including whether you own or rent your home. (If you do own your home, note that you may be able to obtain a discount if you elect to bundle your home and auto insurance. Just ask an agent to learn more.)

3. Who will be driving the car?

Letting someone other than you — including a spouse, family member or friend — regularly use your vehicle may impact your coverage solutions.

Plus, it’s no secret that auto coverage for younger drivers — especially adolescent males — can be costly, particularly for parents with more than one child at home. If you have more than one car and are willing to restrict your child (or children) to using only one of them — even in an emergency, you may be able to save money on premiums by assigning your teen(s) to the least valuable vehicle⁴ parked in your driveway. Other paths to savings may include paying for your annual premium upfront, inquiring about good student discounts from a provider, or having your teen or young adolescent take a driving course.

4. What are your driving habits?

With the rise of telecommuting and hybrid workplaces, some people are finding that they’re driving less than in previous years. So, do you need to drive your car every day? If so, where do you drive it (e.g., to work or school)? If you’re racking up less overall mileage these days, you might want to explore how where and how often you drive may impact your coverage options.

Note, however, if you (or another driver in your household) is using a car for work including delivery or ride-share services⁵ — this fact may impact your premiums and the kind of coverage that you’ll need to secure to stay adequately insured.

5. Do you have any driving violations, accidents or claims on your record?

Speeding tickets, accidents for which you were at fault, unpaid claims … these can all impact your premiums. Typically, an agent will initially inquire about any of these matters with you before providing a preliminary quote and then conduct a “look back” in records to confirm accuracy of your reporting.

Basically, better drivers get better auto insurance coverage prices.

The takeaway

Selecting the right automobile coverage for your vehicle involves several considerations about you, your vehicle and your lifestyle. The age of drivers in your household coupled with details about your specific car as well as where you reside and drive daily are all major factors.

Because each household is different, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable agent willing to help you puzzle through these questions to find the right coverage to fit you and your household’s needs. Through a consultation, an agent may be able to identify additional habits or behaviors not referenced above that could help lower your auto insurance bill.

Ready to request a quote to ensure you have the coverage you need? Let RBFCU Insurance Agency help you find greater peace of mind.