T*U
发帖数: 22634 | 1 1. Cause a car accident
If you are at fault in an accident, your car insurance premium is likely to
increase. The exact increase, often called a “surcharge,” will depend on
your insurance company. Before you buy car insurance, ask your agent for a
“surcharge schedule” which will reveal how much you’ll be charged in the
event you cause an accident.
Some car insurance companies forgive first-time accidents but require that
you fit certain criteria in order to escape a rate increase. If your
insurance company holds your rate steady, consider yourself lucky. For more,
see how much your rates can go up after one accident.
In some cases, adding a driver with a terrible driving record to your policy
can more than double your premium because your insurer will base the rate
increase on the risk associated with your spouse.an your car insurance rates
increase after one accident?
2. Get convicted of a DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious risk – and
insurance companies base their rates on risk. Aside from your
irresponsibility on the road, impaired driving carries serious consequences
from car insurance companies.
If your insurer discovers you’ve received a DUI, your rates could increase
or your policy may be cancelled or nonrenewed. You will be classified as a "
high-risk driver," and that makes shopping around for insurance difficult.
If your policy is cancelled, you’ll have the double whammy of a DUI and a
cancellation on your record – a factor that a new insurer will use to
increase your rates even more.
3. Buy a vehicle with a high claims history
Certain cars shoot to the top of the "most expensive to insure" list because
their drivers have submitted frequent and/or expensive car insurance claims
. High-performance sports cars often fall into this category. In most cases
, liability premiums aren't affected by car choice. But if you buy a sports
car, you could be charged higher liability rates because insurers expect
that sports car drivers intend to make liberal use of the gas pedal. You’ll
also generally pay more for collision and comprehensive insurance. Drivers
of certain vehicles like the Hummer also receive higher liability rates
because their vehicles inflict more damage and injuries during crashes.
4. “Soup up” your car
If you have a passion for “souped-up” cars, you can expect souped-up car
insurance premiums too. Modified cars and "bling machines" — as they are
commonly called — are considered high risk by many car insurers because
their parts are often worth more than the car itself, and their owners tend
to drive them with caution thrown to the wind. In any case, when you make
modifications to your car, you should inform your insurer. These
modifications could include a 600-horsepower engine, custom paint job,
spoilers, ground effects, custom wheels, highly customized interior or
expensive stereo components. If you make modifications and fail to inform
your insurer, your insurance will cover you for what the car was worth
before you made modifications.
5. Marry a reckless driver
If you get hitched to a reckless driver and wish to add him or her to your
car insurance policy, you can expect your premium to skyrocket. The pain of
the increase will depend on how much your significant other has tarnished
his or her driving record. For example, a DUI conviction will be costly
while a speeding ticket may not be as bad. It will also depend on your
insurance company and the state where you live. In some cases, adding a
driver with a terrible driving record to your policy can more than double
your premium because insurance companies will base the rate increase on the
risk associated with your spouse. In really bad cases, your insurer may
refuse to insure your spouse and you’ll have to shop around for a car
insurance quote from another insurer. |
|
