Your Premium
What Makes Up A Rate?
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country. Consequently, because we
have more cars grouped closer together, we get in more accidents. Other things that also
affect your insurance rate include the type of car you drive, your attitude toward
driving, how safe you are on the road, the number of accidents you're involved in, whether
you get tickets and violations, all play a factor in your auto insurance premium. See tier rating.
Other Factors that Affect Your Rates
The cost of coverage is determined by the cost of paying claims. What follows are
factors that drive up the cost of claims, and therefore, raise auto insurance premiums for
everyone.
Lawsuits
One of the most significant factors affecting claims costs is the tort system. The
number of auto related lawsuits being filed has steadily increased since the early 80's.
Because insurers are obligated to pay defense costs in all lawsuits, regardless of the
severity or possible frivolous nature, that increase results in a higher cost of doing
business. The amount of judgments awarded continues to mount. These awards have grown more
rapidly in non-economic areas like pain and suffering.
Medical Costs
Rising medical costs contribute to increases in bodily injury liability claim costs. In
general, medical costs have been rising at a rate more than twice the general inflation
rate. A large percentage of these medical claims go towards "soft tissue"
injuries. These types of injuries are often controversial and hard to establish.
Car Repair Costs
Cars today are more expensive than they have ever been. They have also grown more
sophisticated mechanically and technologically. These advancements include such things as
air bags, fuel injection and onboard computer systems. While these are all excellent
advancements, they add to the cost of repair when an accident occurs.
Theft & Fraud
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, fraud costs property and casualty
insurance companies more than $20 billion a year, that's equal to10 percent of all
property and casualty claims paid industry wide. All auto insurers in New Jersey have
entire staffs dedicated with the prevention and detection of auto insurance fraud.
Discounts Offered by IFA
Cancellation and Return Policy
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