Have your car insurance premiums increased? this could be the reason
Many drivers have seen their car insurance premiums increase in recent years. As the cost of living increases, Americans are spending a larger share of their income. When money is tight, these price increases can cause financial stress.
For drivers who haven’t made recent claims or changed coverage, there may be a reason why their current insurance costs more.
Some automakers are sharing driving data.
Factors such as age, driving history, location, and type of car can affect your car insurance premium. These factors can cause your insurance premiums to rise, but some drivers have seen their premiums rise for no apparent reason.
In an article earlier this month new york times Some automakers have reported sharing data with auto insurers. Insurers have been using this data to set and adjust policy rates. Manufacturers are sharing this data through data brokers such as LexisNexis.
Unfortunately, these situations can happen without drivers knowing, and some reported driving habits can result in increased rates. Some insurance companies offer programs that drivers can choose to monitor their driving habits in exchange for a potential insurance discount, but this is different.
Some drivers are monitoring their driving habits without even realizing it. People who drive technology-rich cars would be wise to make sure they are being monitored. Some car brands are tracking data such as speeding, hard braking, and hard acceleration.
Read more: Find out how to choose the best car insurance company.
Vehicles with built-in technology can record driving data. When using certain features, drivers may unintentionally allow manufacturers to share their data after agreeing to terms and conditions. new york times According to the article, many drivers had no idea their data was being shared. Some car manufacturers were more forward-thinking than others.
General Motors later stopped sharing customer data.
General Motors (GM) was one of the following automobile manufacturers: new york times report. For years, the company has shared data collected from OnStar Smart Driver, a connected feature that provides drivers with insights on how to become better drivers.
But many drivers said they were caught off guard by unknowingly signing up for the service. Naturally, the company received backlash. General Motors later announced that it would no longer share such personal data. Now that more people are aware of this practice, it will be interesting to see if other automakers release similar updates.
Drivers should review the terms and conditions of any new technology before using it.
For those who drive modern cars with built-in technology features, now is a great time to review the terms and conditions for connected vehicle apps and tools. Some drivers may allow car manufacturers to share their driving data without their knowledge, which could have implications for their privacy and personal finances. That’s why it’s best to review permissions before using this kind of technology.
Compare quotes to get the best deal
Drivers who are frustrated by rising insurance premiums should consider collecting insurance quotes from other insurance companies. Switching car insurance companies can help some people keep more money in the bank. It’s also a good idea to check if discounts are available to maximize your savings.
Some insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain good grades, drivers who complete driver safety training, and customers who pay their premiums in full. Review our list of the cheapest car insurance companies for more information.
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