Driving Experience and Auto Insurance

 You may be applying for vehicle insurance but you don't have a lot of experience. Maybe you're an experienced driver with 40+ years of accident-free driving history and you're looking for a discount. How important is driving experience when it comes to calculating insurance rates? We take a look at how your driving experience impacts your auto insurance rates.

Inexperienced Drivers Typically Pay More for Insurance

Generally, the more driving experience you have, the less likely you are to get in a collision. If you have a long history of safely driving on city roads, then the insurance company is going to look at you more favorably than someone who has 2 years of safe driving experience.

The Number of Years You've Been Licensed Is a Factor

Say you're a 35-year-old driver who is applying for car insurance for the first time. You've never had an insurance policy before, but you're not considered a young driver. Unfortunately for you, the insurance company may see you as a risky driver - almost as risky as a younger driver. That is because you have no real, verifiable driving history. In the eyes of the insurance company, you are an inexperienced driver even if you got your driver's license the day you turned 16. It is only when you have 20 years of continuous insurance coverage with no history of accident that the insurance company sees you as a good, low-risk, experienced driver.

Young  Vs. Older Drivers

Young drivers will be charged more for auto insurance, as they are likely to display unsafe driving behaviors and have less driving experience than older drivers. While not every young driver is careless on the road, insurance providers will charge more from such drivers. Remember that older drivers can also pay more for insurance in some circumstances. For example, if an insurer suspects the older drivers' ability to drive a car safely, they will increase the premiums for such drivers. Overall, drivers aged under 25 and above 65 are likely to pay more for auto insurance. 

Unverifiable Previous Driving Record

If your driving record cannot be verified, your insurance rates will be higher.  For example, if you relocated from Canada to America and your new insurance company in the U.S. cannot verify your previous driving record, you will end up paying more for your auto insurance coverage. Car insurance doesn't have to cost the earth. To secure reliable coverage, contact the experts at Little & Sons Insurance Services. Serving Banning and the surrounding cities in California, we are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.