Car Insurance for Women
Insurance is a business, if insurers cannot operate this business profitably there will be no insurance companies. Providing cover against risk is what insurers do; at a premium paid by the insured. The higher the risk, the higher the premium will be. Car insurers derive their insurance rates from statistics arrived at by intensive research. Insurance companies have actuaries who study risk; they draw up risk profiles that are based on real data.
Lower car insurance premiums
Women are usually charged lower car insurance premiums because statistically they are less likely to claim. The risk that the insurer carry when insuring women is smaller and therefore car insurance for women can be offered at a lower premium. The deduction follows the same logic that dictates why younger drivers are charged higher car insurance rates. Statistically drivers under the age of twenty five are a high risk for insurers.
The proven facts include that men are more inclined to take risks and drive at high speed; the accidents they are involved in are therefore of a more serious nature, costing insurers more. There are also more male drivers on the road, especially if you look at long-distance truck, bus and taxi driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2004 report male drivers were involved in 1,369,000 more property-damage incidents, 432,000 accidents without fatalities and 27,000 more accidents with fatalities than female drivers. So let us conclude with the fact that women drivers offer a smaller risk to insurance companies.
Roadside assistance and car insurance add-ons
Women win on more than one front in the car insurance battle. Car insurance companies are more likely to offer add-ons for roadside cover, emergency assistance (e.g. changing a flat tyre) and will even include ‘extras’ such as the theft of small personal items like handbags if a woman’s car is stolen. Women with young children are more inclined to want emergency assistance cover.
The number of car insurance companies that target female clients are on the increase. Why? Everyone wants to feel like they belong; even better if it’s an exclusive club. So, if you’re a woman, take advantage. Roadside assistance for women is particularly important if you travel long distances, are a sales representative or work at night, for example as a waitress or in the medical profession.
Take your search online
With the introduction of online applications for car insurance the competition between insurers got more intense. This can only be to the benefit of the consumer who can expect lower prices and better products. Now you can compare price and product before making a decision. You want a product that suits your individual needs, don’t be blinded by fancy add-on’s that you may never use.
Concentrate first on the actual cover, then on the other benefits. You also want to deal with a reputable company with a track record of great client service. Talk to your friends, work colleagues and family to help you in your research. Always compare at least three quotes before you make your final choice.
Like we said earlier, car insurance is based on risk. Being a female is only one of the considerations the insurance company will look at. Other factors that will make up your risk profile are:
1. The actual car you drive – its value and risk profile (some cheaper cars are more expensive to insure because they are popular with thieves!)
2. Your age
3. Your previous claims record
4. Added security features such as an alarm, immobilizer or tracking device
5. Where you live
6. Is the car parked on the street or in a locked up garage at night
7. Do you use the car for business travel or for private use.
Enjoy your search for the best cover a woman can get.