And why does an auto insurance co. want to know this??
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Answer:
Risk...if you are married or a single parent, the theory is you are least likely to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel. depending on your driving record that is also considered, your rates are less than if you are single, divorced, or seperated.
It is because they are looking at different ratio numbers and ratings. You are not penalized for being sinlge it is just a different category
you get a better rate for being married. Or if you are a single parent you can get a better rate.
yes they charge every pennie they can check other companies for better quotes.
The question might be related to how they aim their future advertising, marketing etc., not necessarily to how much your going to pay on your insurance. For example if they find out (through the questions) that married people with two incomes and 1 child are more likely to buy a dearer insurance then they will aim there advertising at that market. If a single male is likely to opt for the cheapest, then they can aim their advertising for that product to appeal to that market. Its just to get their stats right, and nothing personal.
For the same reason they ask your date of birth and address. To have enough information to be able to give you a quote. No, unless of course you are just single. Yes, there is a penalty for being single if you want to call it that, rates do tend to be higher for single people, higher for those under 24 years of age, higher for young males but not as high for young females. That type of thing.
You are placed in categories, and insurance ratios. You are not penalized for being single, or over 40. If you had a teen living in the home, they want to know that because teen drivers(males especially)tend to drive recklessly, and the rates for teens is very high.
Insurance companies have statistics that show certain categories of people are higher risks than others. The more stable a person's lifestyle, the lower the risk, and the lower the insurance rate. Married people are more stable than single people, according to their statistics.
I would guess that a single parent would get a lower rate, as a more responsible driver because they have a kid in the car. But really, it means they're gonna look at statistics of single people vs. single parents, and charge you appropriately.
quite simply, it depends on the company. generally there are incentives that come with being married, such as lower rates. some companies also have programs specifically designed to meet the needs of single parents. single person policies tend to run more, though your age will help lower your rates considerably (should you have a clean record).
It's all based on stats..
Married people cause less accidents and receive lower rates
Some companies offer discount to those with kids...
Keep in mind, every question on there is approved by your department of insurance.
There are just various variables that Actuaries take into consideration when evaluating the risk of a vehicle and a driver. I'm sure the reason they ask this is 1. a risk issue, and 2. if additional drivers need to be included on the policy.
Just tell them the truth. Trust me if you are not truthful, they will probally find out anyway. I went to get insurance for a car, and they asked me all the questions. I answered thank goodness, truthfully, because they already new the answers. I had been divorced over 10 years and they asked about my ex-husband. Who has a bad driving record. They also asked about my over 18 year old daughter. I had my divorce decree with me. I had an envelope addressed to my daughter showing that she did not live with me. So, for the life of me I was very glad to be truthful that day.
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