Where Do You Live? Car Insurance

By Author: Marcus Stalder
Total Articles: 491
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When you go looking for insurance for your vehicle, the calculation of the premium rate should be based on your safety record as a driver. After all, it's when the vehicle is on the road and in motion that there's the highest risk of a collision. So, in a perfect world, where you live should be irrelevant. Except the insurance is not just about the possible losses arising from a collision. There are several different types of situation covered by insurance under a comprehensive policy that can see you making a claim even though you left the vehicle properly parked outside your home. Sadly, there are a number of people who will happily steal your vehicle or think it amusing to vandalize it. In some areas, the risks of such events are higher than others. Insurance companies are unstoppable when it comes to collecting information from all sources including local law enforcement agencies. If there are a large number of incidents reported and these result in claims being made to the insurance industry, there are records.

There's a website run by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). It gives you reasonably up-to-date ...
... information about the number of vehicles stolen around the US. The highest rates of theft occur in California and Texas. This is a real problem for those who live in Texas, but less so for those who live in California. Insurers have statistics down to individual ZIP codes and they automatically load your premium rate if you live in the wrong area. This reflects the risks of theft and vandalism. But in California, the electorate were given a chance to vote a Proposition into law that would restrict the insurers' right to rely on the ZIP code when setting the rate. Not surprisingly, this Proposition was passed with a big majority. So, when it comes to the premium rates for liability and collision policies, the Californian insurers must focus on the safety record of the driver. But there can be some reference made to the ZIP code when it comes the rate for comprehensive cover.

So for all of you living outside California, now's the time for a little self-help. If you live in an area notorious for its vehicle crime rate, you should take steps to reduce the risk your vehicle will be stolen. Start with the statistics showing which vehicles are least likely to be taken. If you can afford one of those makes and models, your rate will be lower. Now think about whether the vehicle can be taken off the road when not in use. A garage is obviously best, but being able to pull it on to your yard gives you more chance of protecting it. Now can you fit some effective anti-theft devices? The more you can do to prevent a theft, the lower your premium.

If you are thinking of changing address, always get auto insurance quotes to see what will happen to your premium rates. This site offer a free search. It's as well to know whether the ZIP code of the area you are planning to move into is loaded as unsafe. If there's any doubt, contact the insurer when the auto insurance quotes come in. Learning exactly where the boundaries are in this area can save you dollars.