Before you start shopping for the best rate on auto insurance, you should be aware of the factors that may influence the overall cost of your policy. Previous accidents, traffic violations and coverage level are only part of the equation.

Good Credit Matters

Many insurance companies will examine your credit score as a partial determinant of your auto insurance rate. Statistics demonstrate that drivers with good credit are also safer drivers. You should find out your credit score. If your score is below average (usually lower than a 650), look for companies that will not check your credit. If your credit score is 700 or higher, seek out an insurance company that includes credit worthiness in its rate criteria.

Good Grades Often Matter

While working as an insurance adjuster, I often examined automobiles that had an honor student bumper sticker on them. More often than not, the corresponding insurance policy did not include a “good student” discount. Usually, this is because people forget to ask about these types of discounts when they are shopping for insurance. This is especially true when people shop for insurance online (since many online quote forms do not ask about student performance). If have a good student in the family, make sure that you ask about performance-based discounts.

Previous Gaps in your Insurance Coverage Matter

Even if you have never been in an accident, you will pay more for car insurance if you have previously driven without having insurance. This is the case even if you live in one of the many states that do not require drivers to carry liability insurance. With this in mind, you should do everything possible to maintain your auto insurance at all times. With the number of high deductible, liability only policies available, a minimum level of coverage is often more affordable than you think.