Think that your driving record is the only factor that determines car insurance rates? Think again. As reported by The New York Times, your income and even education level affect what you pay for coverage. So what are some things to look out for, and how can you get lower rates?

Find out how you can pay less for auto insurance. Get a free quote from CARCHEX today.

Traditional Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates

The more common factors that affect car insurance rates are things like driving record. This makes sense since a higher accident rate means more insurance claims. Other items insurance companies typically consider when determining insurance premiums are:

• Make and model of car
• Safety and anti-theft features or add-ons
• Age and gender (men crash more)
• Where you live

These days, even technology can affect your insurance rates by recording your driving habits. These new tools are used by insurers to reward good driving habits with lower rates.

Other Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates

The Consumer Federation of America has reported that education level may also influence car insurance costs. Additional factors highlighted in the report include:

• Type of work you do (skilled vs. low- or semi-skilled job)
• Whether you rent or own your home
• Past car ownership history

How Much These Factors Impact Your Rates

Taken together, the items listed above can affect rates dramatically. But, it’s important to note, that rates can vary significantly from provider to provider. For the same driving record, insurance rates may vary from 50 percent or even up to 100 percent or more depending on the company.

How To Get The Better Rates

If you scan the lists above, there are only a few areas where you can influence your auto insurance rates. Keeping a clean driving record is the best tactic. Remember, distracted driving (cell phone, etc.) causes more accidents than ever these days. Having car safety and anti-theft measures can lower your rates. Some companies even give a discount to those who take a defensive driving course.

Try A Provider Network

Since differences between insurance providers can be significant, it pays to compare. One of the most efficient ways to do this is through insurance provider networks, like the one you can access through CARCHEX.

These networks obtain quotes from a variety of different insurance companies at once. And, since they are competing for your business, sometimes rates are driven even lower.

Other Ways To Lower Your Premium

Another tactic to pay lower car insurance premiums is to lower your deductible. This is the amount you pay for any claim, before the insurance kicks in. For instance, let’s say you’re in a fender bender and the repairs cost $900. If your deductible is $500, then you pay $500 worth of repairs, and your insurance pays the remaining $400.