Reader’s Question:

I work at home and my wife uses the car much more than I do. We’re in Columbia, Missouri. When we applied for auto insurance, someone suggested that I place her as the primary driver. Does that really affect the auto insurance premium rate?

Thomas

Columbia, MO

Yes, Thomas, it does. This is true in Columbia, Missouri and the rest of the country. This is where we- as men, can shout “unfair!” and invoke the equality of all men and all those things. But the thing is auto insurance companies have the statistical data to back this up. Female drivers are considered safer drivers compared to male drivers. Because of this, female drivers are generally offered cheaper premiums than men. You see, premiums are based on several factors. Statistics occupy a large chunk of it. These statistics show that females are better and safer drivers.

Reduce Missouri Car Insurance Rates

In over 90% instances of dangerous driving, men figure prominently. Statistics further add that female drivers tend to drive slower and they’re more careful when on the road. Studies also show that women tend to drive short distances most of the time. Although studies also show that women tend to have as many accidents as men, their accidents are not usually as serious as the one where men are involved.

Now, females get cheaper premium insurance rates. Couple that with other premium buster tips and you’ll be surprised at how much your wife can lower your premium rate. You know, buy a safer car or purchase other insurance like homeowners from the same insurance company, that’ll afford you more discounts. If you and your wife only drive short distances, you might also consider looking for policies that offer discount for lower mileages.

Ask for discounts, you never know what you might be able to get and how much you can save by asking. Some popular discounts can be given for:

1. Military personnel

2. Good grade students

3. Union membership and bank member affiliations

4. Safe drivers with no claims in last 7 years

5. Defensive driving school attendance

6. Clean credit history – used by many carriers to determine payment risk