What is a car insurance premium?

A car insurance premium is the amount of money a driver pays his or her auto insurance company – usually every six or 12 months – in exchange for the coverage listed on the driver’s insurance policy. In other words, the premium is the cost of an auto insurance policy. It serves as payment for the insurer’s protection against financial losses related to a car accident. Once a driver pays his or her auto insurance premium, the policy is active.

There is a direct relationship between car insurance premiums and deductibles, though they are distinct features of an insurance policy. A car insurance deductible is the amount of money you’re responsible for paying when making a car insurance claim, with the insurance company covering the rest. The higher your car insurance premium is, the lower your deductible is likely to be. And the higher your deductible is, the lower your premium will probably be.

It’s also worth noting that when you get a car insurance quote, the estimated premium is not binding. The actual premium you must pay to make the policy official could be a bit higher or lower than the quoted amount.

Each company has its own pricing formula and discount programs. But in general, the goal of an insurance company is to balance your level of risk for a claim with how much it charges you for coverage, with room for a nice profit margin built in.

It’s also fair to say that all auto insurance premiums are ultimately affected by the coverage you select and the personal details you provide when purchasing a policy.

Coverage

Coverage types and limits will affect the price of your policy. Minimum liability insurance is usually required by law, but you may want or need more than that, like collision and comprehensive. You’ll also pick a coverage limit—the maximum amount of money the insurance company will pay out in a single claim—and deductibles. More coverage is more expensive.

Personal details

Insurers use information like your age, gender, location, car details, and driving patterns to determine how risky you are to insure. Long commutes, young drivers, expensive cars, and frequent driving in high-traffic areas can inflate prices. Your driving, credit, and insurance histories also matter. A spotty driving record, gaps in coverage, and poor credit will raise rates.

In most cases, your premium pays for six or 12 months of coverage, depending on whether you get a 6- or 12-month policy. If you can’t afford to pay your premium upfront, most insurers offer monthly payment plans. Those have drawbacks, though, like additional fees and a higher risk of missing payments. Your insurance company can cancel your policy if you miss a payment or pay late, leaving you uninsured and unable to drive legally.