There are a plethora of factors that determine the rates that Massachusetts drivers are required to pay in order to insure their personal vehicles. That being stated, there are just as many myths that surround this hot button topic. So we decided to separate the facts from the fiction in order to provide you with a better understanding of how the system works. Our goal is to explain the factors that determine why you are paying more or less for auto insurance than your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
So without further ado, the following information will teach you all about the characteristics that affect your auto insurance rates in MA, and some myths that have absolutely zero impact.
Does The Make, Model, And Year Of Your Vehicle Determine The Auto Insurance Rate?
The answer to this questions is YES. It is a true fact that the make, model, and year of your vehicle goes a long way in determining your auto insurance rate. Cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles are assigned a safety rating. The safety rating determines the chances of the vehicle getting into a serious accident, and the insurance companies take this into account. For example, automobiles with higher safety ratings have lower insurance premiums than automobiles with lower safety ratings.
In addition, your vehicle’s year, make, and model have a direct impact on its value. If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage than the dollar amount of protection that these coverage’s provide is typically set to be equal with the value of your car, truck, or SUV.
Does The Color Of Your Vehicle Determine The Auto Insurance Rate?
The answer to this question is NO. Although a great deal of drivers are under the false impression that the color of their automobile helps to determine the price that they are required to pay for insurance, nothing could be further from the truth. Most likely this myth was formulated due to the fact that certain colors are more noticeable to police officers when moving down the road. For example, if you drive a brightly colored vehicle, particularly red, than you may be at more risk of a speeding ticket than someone that drives a white automobile.
Does Your Driving Habits Determine The Auto Insurance Rate?
The answer to this questions is YES, YES, and YES. Your driving habits have an enormous impact on how much you pay for auto insurance. In fact, your driving habits affect the premiums in multiple ways. For example, automobile insurance underwriters consider whether or not you have moving violations, if you have been in any accidents, and how many miles you drive on average per year. The majority of drivers are aware that negative driving records increase insurance rates.
In MA, each moving violation increases your auto insurance premium for seven (7) years. That means speeding tickets end up costing a lot more money than the initial fine. The good news is that your driving habits do not necessary have to affect your auto insurance premiums in a negative way. Many insurance companies are now utilizing advances in technology to develop devices that track how quickly you accelerate, how long it takes you to slow down, and how far you drive each day.
If you happen to be a cautious driver, the device will help to verify your good driving habits. Your insurer may even offer you discounts on the policy based on this information.
Does Your Credit Score Determine The Auto Insurance Rate?
In most states across the country, insurance companies can and typically do consider credit scores when calculating auto insurance premiums. That means having a low credit score or no credit can significant increase the policy rates. The good news is that the Commonwealth of MA has banned this practice, so the answer to this question is NO. If you live in MA, your credit score will not impact your auto insurance premium.
Please call (508) 831-0133 to contact an associate at Zawada Insurance to walk you through the details of your auto insurance policy and explain your coverage options. We look forward to helping you with all of your personal and or business related insurance needs.