There’s a lot of information and perceptions about car insurance out there; some are considered fundamental truths while others, when looked at more closely, reveal a well-rooted myth. The trouble with insurance myths, however, is they can cost us money or influence decisions we make, which is why it’s time to turn those myths upside down.
1. Red cars are more expensive to insure
This is false. It is the make, model, and year of your vehicle that will affect your insurance rate. The premium you’re charged, contrary to popular belief, does not take into account car colour. Instead, it’s the vehicle’s claims history and average repair cost — not to mention its popularity with thieves — that affects the premium price.
2. If my car is stolen, I’ll be covered
Not necessarily. This is only true if you have purchased comprehensive insurance, which is an optional coverage. Comprehensive, if you have it, will pay for damages (or losses) caused by things like theft, vandalism, fire or hail.
3. If I cause a collision, the damages to my car will be covered
Again, not necessarily. Damages to your car may be covered, but only if you’ve purchased collision coverage, which is optional. Collision coverage will pay for damages to your vehicle if it’s determined you are wholly or partially at-fault for having caused the collision.
4. My loyalty discount offsets any savings I would get by changing insurers at renewal
This is likely false. Switching insurers may cause you to lose your loyalty discount (if you receive one) but that doesn’t mean you’ll pay more for your car insurance. The fact is, some insurance companies may provide a small discount on your premium if you’ve been with them for a long time, but that discount may be insignificant compared to what another provider may offer. After all, what good is 5% off an annual rate of $1,500 (a $75 savings) if you could pay $1,200 with another company?
5. Your auto insurance policy is locked in for the year
Again, false. If you shop around mid-policy and find a lower-priced policy, you can cancel your policy before its renewal. However, doing so may mean you have to pay a cancellation fee. Because of this, you’ll want to ensure the savings are worth more than the cancellation fee. If they’re not, it may be best to wait until your policy is up for renewal, at which time if you cancel, there is no fee or penalty.
6. Higher rates mean more coverage
False again. The rates charged by different insurance companies to insure the same driver, with the same car, for the same exact coverage, can vary by hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Each provider uses their claims experience to determine premiums charged and each company will have a different outlook on a person’s driving history and car combination. As a result, you’ll want to make sure you’re with the "right" insurance company; shop your rates, at minimum, every year.
7. No-fault insurance means "It’s not my fault"
True? False. There's always fault assigned in an accident. Whether it is all assigned to one person or it’s shared will depend on the collision. No-fault insurance only means your insurance company pays for your damages. If you are in any way responsible for the accident, then chances are you’ll see an increase in your car insurance rates. On the other hand, if you are 100% not at-fault for the collision, your rates won’t likely increase — even though your insurer covered the resulting costs.
8. Males pay more than females for car insurance
This too is false … to an extent. Males under 25 tend to pay a lot more than female drivers of the same age. However, once a driver hits the ripe old age of 25, gender is usually no longer a factor.
9. All car insurance companies charge you about the same rate
False. The rates charged by different car insurance companies to insure the same car and driver for the exact same policy can vary by hundreds and even thousands of dollars, so it pays to shop around.
10. If I have tickets and accidents, I will always pay a lot for car insurance
This isn’t entirely true. While you may pay more for insurance than someone who has no tickets or accidents, if you shop around you might be surprised to find another insurance company that’s more forgiving of an occasional accident or ticket. Also, tickets usually affect your insurance rate for three years and accidents for about six years. Drive better today, and you'll be investing in lower premiums for the future.
11. If a friend drives my car and causes an accident, it won't show up on my insurance
False. Insurance coverage is tied to the vehicle and not the person driving it. Therefore, it’s always best to remember that if you lend your car to a friend, you are also lending them your insurance.
12. Your auto insurance rate will increase if you shop around
This is a common misconception. The fact is, your auto insurance rate will not increase just because you’ve shopped around for a better rate. You’ve got nothing to lose, only money to save, by shopping around for your coverage
