When it comes to car insurance, Lindsay Lohan just might be an underwriter’s nightmare. Her long history of driving disasters stretches back several years. Along with two DUIs in 2007 and one in November 2011, this year alone Lohan offenses include:
- In March, Lohan reportedly attempted to maneuver a Porsche in a crowd in Hollywood and hit the manager of a nightclub.
- In June, Lohan totaled her Porsche when she crashed into a dump truck on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
- In September, several news outlets reported Lindsay Lohan was arrested in New York City for leaving the scene of an accident.
Additionally, she has had other bad luck with driving, from running a stop sign in Beverly Hills to being sued for hit and run even though she was only a passenger in the car. Chances are her car insurance policy is hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, according to experts.
Most drivers don’t behave like Lohan, so their car insurance comes in at a reasonable rate. However, there are still steps you can take to reduce the overall cost of your car insurance premium. Here are some tips from LoveMoney.com:
- Carefully estimate your annual mileage. The higher it is, the higher the premium because the more you drive, the more you are at risk.
- Car value affects the cost of your premium. Newer and more expensive models have a higher premium. In addition, certain options like alloy wheels or the popularity of the model may raise your rates.
- Keep your car safe. Parking your car in the garage and using an anti-theft device can help.
- Consider your occupation. Believe it or not, your career may affect your insurance cost. Jobs classified as high risk involve those that work long hours, are highly stressful, and/or include a lot of driving.
- Review the drivers on your policy. Unfortunately, adding a driver – like a teenager – to your auto insurance policy can increase your premium. Factors such as experience and previous driving record make a difference.
- Look around your neighborhood. Where you live often affects your insurance premiums. A May 2012 report in Scientific American notes that poorer neighborhoods have less-safe road design – more intersections which carry higher volumes of traffic. However, some experts suggest that while poorer neighborhoods may be more prone to accidents, nicer areas may be at risk, too. The accidents that happen in expensive areas usually involve expensive vehicles.
Ultimately, what it all comes down to is making sure you have the right amount and type of insurance coverage for your individual needs. Be sure to:
- Speak with your insurance agent and have him or her periodically review your coverage, especially as your car ages.
- Review your policy – even for factors such as your name, address, and car model – to ensure it is accurate.
- Correctly report your annual mileage each year.
We understand that having the right car insurance policy in Scottsdale is important. For more information about auto insurance or to help you find car insurance to fit your needs, visit us online today.