What is a symbol?
When you get your instant insurance quote online, you will be asked a lot of questions about your driving record and personal history, but they will also require your vehicle information.
Auto insurance companies use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to assign a symbol to the car, and that goes into their insurance rate database. It is the symbol that decides the amount you will be charged for any full coverage auto insurance.
Family cars
Family cars such as minivans often have a low symbol, which means a lower auto insurance rate. Because the buyers of minivans ask for high safety standards, this lowers the chance of accidents involving injuries, and the auto insurance companies charge rates accordingly. In addition, the drivers of
minivans and other family-type cars are usually the safest drivers, so you can take advantage of their driving history to get the best auto insurance rate for yourself.
Domestic cars
Domestic autos also often carry a lower symbol than their foreign counterparts, because of the amount that an insurance company will have to pay out in auto claims. Most auto claims are not "total losses," which means that the vehicle is damaged beyond repair and need to be replaced.
The majority of auto insurance claims require repair, which involves getting parts that match the vehicle. It is easier to come by parts for domestic cars, and these parts are generally cheaper. Additionally, charges for labor may be higher if the customer chooses a body shop that specializes in foreign
vehicles.
Vehicles with a high safety history
If you have a choice of what to buy before you buy your auto insurance online, it doesn't hurt to pick one with a high safety history. The best example of this is probably the Volvo, which is known for having high safety standards and a low number of
recorded deaths in the case of an accident. Auto insurance companies take this into consideration and charge a better rate.
Also, like the minivan, drivers of these cars traditionally are high on the safety scale, so you can take advantage of this when getting your auto insurance quote online.
Older cars
If you purchase an older car, you may see instant results in the amount of your auto insurance rate. The rate for full coverage will automatically be lower on an older vehicle, but the main
price difference will come into effect if you do not require full coverage at all. If this is a vehicle you could afford to lose in the case of a total loss, or could afford to repair yourself in the case of a minor accident, you may consider carrying liability-
only coverage. Be aware that there will be no coverage on your own car, though, if you choose this option. You don't want to try to save a few dollars on auto insurance now and then be stuck with nothing to drive after an accident.
There are so many choices out there for what auto insurance company to choose, especially when shopping online for your instant quote. If, additionally, you have a choice of what type of car to buy, shopping smart can promise that you get the best car
for your insurance money.
