Auto Insurance in Medford, OR
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Top 6 Factors for Auto Insurance in Medford, OR
If you just moved to Medford, Oregon or are dissatisfied with your current car insurance plan, finding insurance in the Heart of the Rogue should be your top priority. As you consider different plans, keep in mind these six factors that affect your premiums for auto insurance in Medford, OR.
1. Your Driving History
To determine your premiums, your insurance broker assesses the risk you pose to your insurance company, and your driving history plays a big role in that assessment. If you've been pulled over a lot for reckless speeding, you're likely to exhibit the same behavior on local Medford streets. Similarly, if you've been at fault for several accidents, your odds of being liable for collisions increase. The more points or tickets you have, the higher your premiums will be.
2. Your Age
Your age also affects your premiums for auto insurance in Medford, OR, because the younger you are, the higher your chances of getting in an accident. Not only are younger drivers more likely to make careless errors, but they also have a harder time perceiving potential risks.
3. Your Credit Score
Most applications for auto insurance in Medford, OR, involve credit score checks so that your insurance broker can understand your financial history. Because you pay car insurance bills every month, your broker needs to know that you're reliable enough to pay your premiums and that you have enough money to keep up with your costs. Also, your credit score gives your broker another glimpse at how many risks you take.
4. Your Car's Safety Features
It's a myth that the more expensive your car is, the higher your premiums are. While pricier cars cost more to repair, they're also more likely to have advanced safety features:
- Backup cameras
- Blindspot warnings
- Front collision warnings
- Automatic headlights
- Lane shift warnings
These safety mechanisms all reduce your chances of getting in serious accidents, so they bring your premiums down.
On the other hand, if you drive an old car, it may not cost much to replace, but it may also be missing airbags, locking seatbelts, and other key safety features. Before your consultation for auto insurance in Medford, OR, have your car thoroughly inspected and address any glaring safety problems.
5. Your Deductible
When you apply for auto insurance, your broker asks how high you want your deductible to be, or how much you want to pay every time you get in an accident. If you choose a high deductible, your premiums will be lower because your insurance company isn't liable for as much damage when you get in an accident. Still, if you set your deductible too high, you may be stuck with a big bill after a crash.
6. Your Limits
Your car insurance plan's limits are the maximum amount that your insurance company will pay after an accident. If you choose lower limits, your premiums don't cost as much, but you risk having to cover some of your repairs and liability costs out-of-pocket. Also, you must stay within Oregon's legal limits for car insurance:
- $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage
- $15,000 in personal injury protection coverage
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage
- $20,000 in property damage liability coverage
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.