Zebra, a price-comparison website, recently conducted a study that found car insurance rates depend on where a driver lives as well as their job and credit score. Also, the study revealed that car insurance premiums in the U.S. have increased by approximately 20 percent since 2011. For more car insurance surprises and money-saving tips concluded from the study, continue to read below.
If you sustain an injury in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights. You should reach out to our experienced Seattle car accident lawyers right away for help with your case.
Contact Emerald City Law Group today at 206-973-0407 to arrange a free and confidential case evaluation with an experienced attorney.
Car Insurance Surprises
There are a variety of car insurance surprises that Zebra’s study discovered. Some of the most noteworthy ones include:
- Safety technology usually does not lead to discounts: Zebra’s model driver had a vehicle that was equipped with a lane-departure warning, driver alertness monitoring, collision preparation, and other safety technologies. Most of these technologies did not reduce the driver’s premium.
- Driving less does not result in substantial savings: When the example driver drove 7,500 to 10,000 miles per year vs. 15,000, he only saved $22 on his rate.
- Extreme weather may increase premiums: There were several severe hailstorms in certain cities in Colorado and Texas in 2016, which rose rates from $44 to $64 per year in 2017.
- Non-driving factors can reduce or increase rates: When the model driver did not have a high school diploma, he paid $44 more per year for his insurance than when he had a doctorate.
Money-Saving Tips
Fortunately, the study identified several ways drivers can save money on car insurance including:
- Do not text and drive: Since texting and driving is a serious issue, some auto insurance companies raise rates for drivers caught in the act. The average increase for texting and driving is $227. By refraining from texting and driving, you can avoid a ticket and a rate increase.
- Bundle car insurance if you’re driving a green vehicle: Car insurance for green cars such as a Toyota Prius is expensive. If you’d like to drive a green car, consider bundling your car insurance with your renters or homeowners insurance, so you don’t overspend.
- Pay for insurance up front: Zebra’s example driver paid his insurance premium in full rather than in monthly installments and enjoyed a reduction of his annual price by $67. If possible, pay an auto insurer in full and enjoy the savings.
- Forget about automatic monthly electronic payments: The model driver in the study only saved about 1.5 percent by granting his insurer to deduct premium payments from his checking account automatically. By giving an insurance company control of your checking account, you may face expensive overdraft penalties, making it wise to avoid automatic electronic payments.
Car Insurance Requirements in Washington
In Washington, drivers must purchase liability car insurance. The minimum liability limits in the state include:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per crash
- $10,000 property damage liability per crash
Although the minimum liability limits are enough for Washington drivers to drive legally, many opt for more coverage to completely protect themselves in the event of a severe accident.
Contact Emerald City Law Group
If you get hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, do not hesitate to contact a Seattle car accident lawyer at Emerald City Law Group today. Our Seattle car accident attorneys can investigate your case and determine your legal options. Call us at 206-973-0407 for a free case consultation.
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