Every car insurance company uses a different set of factors to determine the correct insurance rate for a driver. The methods for assessing driver risk vary widely from company to company, but some factors are common to every insurance company. Of course, some rating factors are outside of your control. However, when it comes to the things you can control, most insurers agree that safe drivers have the following characteristics.

Good Credit Rating

Most car insurance companies consider a driver's credit rating as evidence of a safe driver. Maintaining financial stability shows that you are reliable, because you must pay your bills regularly and on time to gain good credit. People with better credit ratings are also more likely to afford the cost of regular maintenance, keeping cars less likely to cause an accident because of mechanical failure.

Number of Miles You Drive Regularly

Simply put, the less you drive, the less likely you are to have an accident. This makes you a better risk and a safer driver. If you normally take advantage of public transportation instead of commuting, your car stays safely in your driveway or garage more often. This significantly reduces the risk of an accident.

Safe Driving Habits

Of course, your driving history is one of the most important indicators of how safe you are behind the wheel. A clean record, with no collisions or moving violations proves you are a safe driver with good driving habits. Driving defensively and using reasonable caution on the road can keep you out of situations that would cause an accident and remove your safe driver standing.

Carrying Enough Insurance

The amount of insurance coverage you carry makes a difference. A safe driver makes sure he or she carries enough insurance should an collision occur. If you stick with the lowest minimum insurance required by the state, there is a good chance that a collision could quickly become more expensive than your coverage can afford. When a new insurance company looks over your past insurance coverage, they will see you were responsible about carrying adequate limits in the past.

Driving a Safer Car

The kind of car you drive can make you a safe driver too. When shopping for a car, look for one with multiple safety features. Safety items such as anti-lock brakes and side airbags make the car safer, and by extension, the driver. These proved to be more dangerous and are no longer used.

Different makes and models have different safety ratings, as well. Research the safety ratings reported for the types of cars you are interested in, and choose one that has the best rating.

Jessica Bosari writes for carinsurancequotescomparison.com, a site that seeks to keep consumers informed about important insurance issues. A well-informed consumer is more likely to compare car insurance quotes to get the best rate.

Labels: auto insurance reduction, driving history, insurance discount, safe driver discount

All New York drivers are eligible to take a defensive driving course that allows them to reduce the number of points on their drivers’ licenses and receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. The cost of the course is quickly recouped by the savings on the driver's insurance policy. This course can be taken online or in a classroom. Taking the defensive driving class online allows drivers to complete the course at their own pace, in the comfort and privacy of their homes. It's easy even for drivers who have limited experience on the internet because the New York defensive driving course is designed to be simple for everyone, even those who are new to the internet. Here's how to complete the course online, remove points from your New York driving record, and save money on your auto insurance.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles requires that the defensive driving course be six hours long, so the length of the course will be the same no matter which provider you choose. The benefits of the course are also the same no matter which provider you choose: Up to a four-point reduction in the total number of active points on your driving record, depending on when the points were assessed, and a 10% reduction from the base rate of your current liability, no-fault and collision premiums for three years. Each person with a New York driver’s license listed as a principal operator on the family's auto insurance policy must register for and complete the defensive driving course to be eligible for the insurance discount. For example, if a husband and wife have two passenger vehicles, both must take the course to receive a discount on each policy.

When you register for the course, you'll provide personal information to verify your identity and participation, such as the Client ID number from your NYS driver's license and your date of birth. Identity and participation information can also include biometric data like keystrokes, facial recognition or voice recognition. The six-hour time requirement for the NY defensive driving course begins after you complete registration. You may complete the course in one sitting or log in and out as many times as you like. Your place in the course is automatically saved as you progress through it. You must complete the course within 30 days of registration.

You are not required to pass a test to receive your certificate for completing the course. You will receive a certificate for passing based on the delivery option you select. To get your auto insurance reduction, present your certificate of completion to your insurance agent within 90 days (after 90 days, you may still receive a discount, but your insurance agent may issue the discount effective from the date you submitted the certificate).

You may see the New York defensive driving course referred to as "PIRP" or "I-PIRP." This is the course you need for removal of points from your driving record and an auto insurance discount. PIRP stands for Point and Insurance Reduction Program. I-PIRP stands for Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program - the same course delivered via the internet.

Labels: auto insurance reduction, defensive driving course, new york defensive driving, point reduction