Calculating Insurance Premiums, what do I need to know?

Did you know insurance branches house an entire department with the strict and only purpose of analyzing and calculating insurance premiums? It’s quite amazing, but when you think deeper about it, it really makes sense. Developing and building an affordable premium for the client is a serious issue.

Car insurance premiums are one of the more simple and straightforward types of insurance to calculate. The majority of the premium is decided by the person’s driving experience and history or lack thereof. If you are young and inexperienced, you will pay a lot more than an elderly gentleman or woman.

Driving history directly relates to driving experience. The more experienced you are, the longer your history. You can build an outstanding driving past, by staying out of accidents and avoiding speeding tickets. If your driving record limits or omits those two “no-no’s” then you’re in great shape.

When you first earn you driver’s license the insurance agency hands out so many points. Generally this number is small because you are very inexperienced and unproven as a driver. As time progresses you earn more points. Points are taken away for speeding or driving offenses.

Understandably, drivers who are busted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are immediately arrested and their license revoked. This could range from one to five years. It often depends on the driver’s past record and if he or she is a repeat drug user. When and if the driver is allowed to drive again he or she will find outrageous premiums, and rightly so.

Thankfully, most drivers respect the laws and do not drink or drive. These drivers are rewarded when it’s time to renew a comprehensive car insurance policy. Insurance companies provide benefits like the “no claims” bonus. Go a year without an accident or traffic offense and see a discount in your premium for the next year.

Keep your vehicle running smooth and communicate with your insurance provider about any accidents. Usually they will cover most if not all the repair costs, assuming you have strong coverage. If the vehicle is totaled, a pre-defined amount is awarded based on the worth of the totaled vehicle.

Wouldn’t you like to save money? Of course you would, who could turn that offer down? So stop driving with reckless abandon, shape up, and earn a cheaper premium as the years progress.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal