Do you know how your insurance stacks up against the policies of others in Wisconsin? You may not know it, but Wisconsin car insurance rates can vary tremendously from company to company and even from city to city. A quick search for quotes could return surprising results – virtually the same policy from multiple insurers offered at dramatically different rates. Continue reading and to learn about how geography plays a role in your Wisconsin auto insurance coverage.
Location – Why it Matters
Everyone wants the utmost in quality car insurance coverage, but no one wants to pay more than necessary to acquire it. Responsible drivers know that cutting corners on coverage is never the solution to finding a better rate; rather, there are many risk factors that can contribute to how much an insurance company charges for a policy. While details like age and driving record are important, there is another issue that can weigh heavily on the cost of coverage, and that is your location.
Location matters, and not just in real estate. In fact, where you live can make a tremendous difference in the price you pay for quality car insurance. According to Kiplinger, we here in Wisconsin are fortunate enough to have lower than usual car insurance rates, with the average policy carrying a premium that is between 10 and 21 percent lower than the national average. However, where you live in Wisconsin can further influence the amount you pay.
Data from the Insurance Information Institute reveals that the average insurance premium in Wisconsin is approximately $ 621.05 per year. However, this number includes policies from both rural and heavily populated areas, as well as areas with low and high crime rates. A quick comparison between zip codes in the state shows a very different story.
Strategies Used for a Preferred Auto Insurance Quote
Unless you are contemplating a move, changing zip codes is probably not an option. However, there are things you can do to improve your chances of finding a competitive car insurance quote when searching for coverage regardless of where you live in the state. For example, nearly all Wisconsin car insurance companies consider the same basic variables when formulating their quotes. Examples include:
- Vehicle type
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle repair costs
- Vehicle safety ratings
- Driver age and gender
- Driver credit score
- Personal driving record
- Personal claims record
It pays to consider the cost of insurance when choosing a vehicle or making important life decisions. For example, purchasing a safe and inexpensive sedan is likely to cost less to insure than a high-end SUV known for its high rollover rate. It can also help to manage your finances in a way that positively affects your credit score. Carrying a higher deductible and avoiding small claims will result in a lower car insurance quote from most every insurance company.
In addition, consider that despite the somewhat universal factors considered by the insurance industry, each individual insurance company applies its own weight and bias when determining rates. Whereas some companies may be willing to accept more risk for a person with a spotted driving history, others may give slack for below average credit scores.
That is why it is important to work with an independent insurance agent that can secure a car insurance quote from a number of insurance companies. They can ensure you do not pay more than necessary for the coverage you need. Here at Carrigan Insurance in Waukesha, we can help you compare rates from several of the state’s leading insurance companies. For more information or to request your Wisconsin car insurance quotes, contact our office today.
