There are several factors that an insurance company considers when they provide you with a quote for insurance. Knowing these factors ahead of time can save you time and money.

Many of the major car insurance companies will check your credit score prior to giving you a quote for insurance. They have come to the conclusion that a lower score means a higher risk for accidents. At least two months before you apply for new car insurance you should review your credit report and try to boost your score.

If you have had any tickets or accidents in the past 5 years your rates will increase. One easy way to solve this problem is to take a drivers safety course and present the certificate of completion to your agent when looking for a policy. Completion of the course will help you avoid paying a higher premium.

If you have teens in the home your rates will increase. This is a fact that you can’t avoid and does not matter if the teen is licensed or not. When your teen leaves home, make sure that you inform your insurance agent so that you no longer pay a higher premium.

Check with the insurer that you have other policies with before committing to a new policy. Insurance companies are now offering discounts for multiple coverage policies such as a homeowners/car insurance policy.

If you drive a sports car or other type of luxury car be prepared to pay a higher premium. Also, if your car is considered a high theft risk car, you will pay additional premiums. The city in which you live will affect your policy. When a city has a high theft problem, car insurance companies will raise rates in that specific area. Installing anti-theft devices and parking your car in a garage may help your premiums decrease.

Your age and sex will have a direct role in your insurance premiums. Men between the ages of 18 and 30 will pay a much higher premium than men 31 and older. Women fall under the same guidelines but generally pay less than men in comparison.

There are many other factors that go into your premium cost. Deductible limits, policy amounts and whether or not you finance the cost can all determine your final price.