It’s a common question that stems from the fact that many auto insurance providers don’t openly talk about the factors that influence the rate you’re charged on your auto insurance. The reality is that there’s much more that goes into how rates are determined than simply whether you’ve been in any at–fault accidents. Here are a few of the other factors.

The Type and Age of Vehicle You Drive

The type of vehicle you drive has a large influence on the insurance premiums you pay. If you drive a high–powered sports car, for example, you are statistically more likely to engage in riskier driving behaviors that cause more damage in accidents, and you’ll pay a higher insurance rate as a result. The same is true if you drive a large truck or SUV. Because of their weight, these types of vehicles can cause more damage in accidents.

Agents like to say that "a broker will make you broker and an agent is your friend."

The primary difference between an insurance broker and an insurance agent is who they represent. Initially it might appear that both represent the insurance buyer. Some might say that the term “Insurance Broker” sounds complicated and “Insurance Agent” sounds friendly. It is true that both act as intermediaries between insurance buyers and insurers. In full exposure, the broker represents the insurance buyer, an agent represents the insurance company.

How can this be? Why is there a difference and how does the difference affect me as an insurance client?