Men pay more for insurance, true or not?

It is a renowned fact that men pay higher car insurance rates than women. Yet, what is not so well known are the reasons why men pay higher car insurance rates. Many people tend to be certain of, it’s merely because men usually drive much faster than women that there is such discrepancy in the rates. While this is true to a certain degree, there are other reasons as well.

Why Men Pay More than Women

Many figures show that men and women have about an equal number of car accidents every year; however, the types of accidents vary significantly. While women tend to be involved in many minor traffic accidents, men seem to be doing a much better job of causing a great deal of damage to vehicles. This is because men are usually much more aggressive drivers and drive at much higher rates of speed. So, because insurance companies pay out much smaller claims for the minor dings that are often associated with many women’s fender benders, men suffer higher insurance premiums because of crash damage that tends to cost a lot more to repair

Typically, women are quoted up to 20 percent less than men for their women’s car insurance quotes. Women receive a female insurance discount. Is there anything men can do to get these lower quotes?

Working the Chances

A car insurance company is a business. And, like all businesses, they will invest more in something if it comes with fewer risks, and invest less in something that comes with higher risks. Because car insurance companies are investing in drivers, the more likely it is that a driver will get into an accident and thus, cost the insurance company money, the less likely it is that the insurance company will give that driver a low rate on their insurance. These risks are premeditated by working the odds. Men, on average, get into more accidents than women. Men between the ages of 16 and 25 get into more accidents than any other demographic. Therefore, their rates are higher.

Picking Your Ride

On average, men buy higher-end sports cars than women. These cars are more costly to insure. Also, there is a stereotype that someone who purchases a fast car will participate in risky behavior, like speeding, racing, and attract attention. Women tend to buy more practical cars with more safety features. Also, some insurance companies will automatically charge more to insure a red car, because red is apparent to be flashy and thus, may indicate a riskier driver.

Saying “I Do” Leads to Lower Rate

This lower cost is because married men have been shown to drive more protectively and get into fewer accidents than single men. Married men also buy fewer sports cars than single men; once they are married, they are more likely to buy family cars with more safety features.

Be a Good Driver

Men can always improve their insurance rates by having a clean driving record. By driving at or under the speed limit and always parking legally, men will decrease—or abolish—their traffic violations. Fewer traffic violations lead to lower insurance rates. Also, driving defensively and taking as few risks as possible will lead to fewer car accidents. Fewer car accidents also lead to lower insurance rates.

The best way for men to start receiving better rates on their auto insurance is to become better drivers and buy more sensible cars. This will not only improve their insurance rates but will make the roads safer for everyone.