Many drivers want to know what can causes their car insurance quote to go up, and what factors are involved in deciding when they do.  There are a number of different variables that impact your final quote, but there are standard industry-wide assessors that you may want to familiarize yourself with before your next online car insurance quote.

Most car insurance companies have their own mathematical algorithm that they use to interpret what rates a driver should get.  When you or an insurance agent gathers your information and enters it into their computer spitting back your estimated car insurance quote.  To help you better understand your insurance rates, here are customary rating factors used by most companies:

• Location:  Where you house your car and where you do most of your driving can impact your monthly premium. Depending on the crime and accident rates of the area your rate can see a dip or hike in monthly dues—whether rural or urban.
• Driving record:  Accidents, traffic violations, and claims all affect your overall car insurance quote. This hold especially true when the frequency is more than once every year.
• Age:  Some age groups have higher incidence rates than others. This is why teens, who statistically have the highest number of accidents and tickets, have the highest premiums of any other age group.
• Marital status:  Statistics show that individuals that are married tend to have lower rates of claims.
• Prior insurance coverage:  Car insurance companies want to know how long you have had continuous coverage before you sign up with them.  This could be a defining factor that can push you toward a discount, especially if you’ve proved to be a loyal customer with a low rate of claim.
• Credit history:  Car insurance companies have seen a direct correlation between credit history and number of claims. So the lower the credit score, the higher your car insurance quote.
• Vehicle use:  Depending on the type of car you drive, the frequency of its use and distance being driven your rates will see a change.  Some circumstances involve greater risk, which gives incentive to insurance companies in charging you more.
• Coverage:  Depending on how much coverage you buy, your premiums may be higher or lower, combining insurance plans like homeowners and car insurance can earn you a discount with your provider.

These are some of the factors used in determining you car insurance companies’ quote. So before you commit, check out all you option and make sure to ask for any other factors that may result in lowering you monthly premiums. Asking about any and all discount you may be qualified for also help in lessening the cost of your insurance rate.