Yes, you gender does affect the premium rates you pay on car insurance. Car insurance companies make statistical inferences about groups of people to help them determine auto insurance rates.
Generally, males between the ages of 16-25 will pay more for auto insurance than females the same age. It may seem like gender discrimination but here is the reason why:
- Males tend to drive more than females. The more miles you drive, the higher your chances are for accidents that could result in claims.
- Young males take more risks behind the wheel. Insurance companies charge inexperienced drivers — both male and female — higher auto insurance rates since they’re more likely to file an auto insurance claim or get a speeding ticket due to their tendency to take more risks
- Young adult males push their limits behind the wheel. Therefore, men are more than twice as likely to be killed in a car crash as women.
Also, the following statistics provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) help explain why gender is a rating factor for car insurance.
- 71% of all car accident-related deaths in 2012 were males.
- The number of drivers who died in a fatal car accident was 50% higher for men than women in 2008.
- Men are much more likely to have been under the influence of alcohol in a fatal crash. In 2012, 38% of fatally injured male drivers had BACs of over 0.08%, as compared to 20% of fatally injured female drivers.
- Seat belt use was observed in 88% of female front seat occupants, as compared to 84% of male front seat occupants.
- In 2012, 23% of male drivers who were involved in fatal accidents were speeding at the time of the accident, while 14% of women involved in fatal crashes were doing the same.
However, male drivers can look forward to more equitable car insurance as they get older. However, guys can always comparison-shop for the best possible car insurance rates. Remember that having a clean driving record and driving safely will go a long way toward getting cheap car insurance rates.
Take note, however, that as drivers reach 25 years old, their risk goes down, as insurance companies see them as more mature, settled, and safer drivers on the roads. At this point, rates tend to begin evening out among men and women. However, because men statistically exercise more aggressive or unsafe driving habits, they may still pay a somewhat higher rate than women.
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident caused by another person, it might be a good idea to consult an experience personal injury attorney. We will tenaciously represent you and work to get you the maximum amount you deserve. Please contact Kalfus & Nachman today by calling (855) 880-8163. We are proud to serve the communities of Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke, Virginia.