The Insurance Panda blog explains auto insurance in plain English. We cover car insurance costs, discounts, coverage rules, state laws, and industry changes—so you can understand your policy, avoid common mistakes, and pay less without sacrificing coverage.
February 24, 2018
Most car insurance policies renew every 6 or 12 months. But why are 6-month policies so common? Why have many major insurers moved away from 12-month terms? And which option is better for your wallet? Below, we break down why many insurers prefer 6-month auto insurance policies—and whether you should choose a 6-month or 12-month […]
January 10, 2017
Quick answer: Your premium can change because insurers re-score risk at renewal (your profile + people like you), and because the cost of claims changes (repairs, medical bills, theft, weather losses). Even with a perfect record, broader trends can move your rate up or down. If you’ve been driving for several years, you’ve probably noticed […]
December 13, 2016
If your car insurance premiums are getting too expensive, you may be wondering whether it’s time to drop comprehensive and collision coverage. For many drivers, liability coverage alone is enough—but not always. Some situations make dropping these coverages risky or even impossible. Below, we break down what collision and comprehensive insurance really cover, when you […]
November 26, 2016
Many drivers aren’t fully sure what their auto insurance actually covers—especially when it comes to vandalism. Policies can be written in dense, technical language, making it hard to remember what’s included and what’s not. Fortunately, figuring out whether vandalism is covered is easier than it seems. Once you understand the different types of auto insurance, […]
November 12, 2016
Veterans and military families often qualify for special auto insurance discounts, benefits, and protections that aren’t available to the general public. Whether you’re newly separated, long retired, or part of an active-duty household, there are several ways your military status can help you save money on car insurance. Some insurers specialize in serving military members […]
February 1, 2016
Your driving history says a lot about you—and insurance companies pay close attention. If you’re a safe, responsible driver with a clean record, your insurance rates will reflect that. But if you have a history of accidents, violations, or reckless behavior, insurers will consider you a high-risk driver, charge higher premiums, or even deny coverage […]
January 22, 2016
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by many states after certain driving violations. You may need one if you’re caught driving without liability insurance, if you cause an accident while uninsured, or if you’re working to reinstate driving privileges after a DUI or similar offense. The SR-22 itself is not insurance; it’s […]
January 12, 2016
If you own a car but don’t drive very often, you may be leaving money on the table. Many drivers don’t realize that insurance companies offer discounts specifically for people who put fewer miles on their vehicle each year. These “low mileage discounts” can significantly reduce your premiums—sometimes by hundreds of dollars annually. Surprisingly, most […]
January 11, 2016
Today’s vehicles are packed with more technology than ever—smart sensors, connectivity tools, advanced safety systems, and mobile apps that track everything from mileage to driving behavior. What many drivers don’t realize is that these same technologies can also help them save money on car insurance. Even if you aren’t driving a brand-new EV or high-tech […]
January 8, 2016
Most drivers buy car insurance and don’t think about it again until renewal—or until they need to file a claim. But insurers, prices, your household, and your vehicle can all change over time. A quick “policy check-up” helps you avoid paying for the wrong coverage, missing discounts, or learning the hard way that something you […]
January 7, 2016
When you’re preparing for a move, you probably spend time researching neighborhoods, home prices, schools, amenities, and commute times. But there’s one important thing many people overlook: how moving will affect your car insurance rates. Your car insurance price can change dramatically when you relocate — sometimes increasing or decreasing by hundreds or even thousands […]
July 30, 2015
Driverless tech won’t eliminate insurance — it will shift risk from individual drivers to a mix of owners, fleets, automakers, and software providers. Expect fewer crashes over time, but also higher repair costs, more data-driven pricing, and more commercial/fleet policies. Bottom line: Even in a highly automated future, you’ll still see coverage for bodily injury/property […]
June 25, 2015
Most companies reward loyalty—airlines offer miles, coffee shops give free drinks, and retailers send exclusive discounts. Car insurance, however, is often the opposite. Many insurers quietly raise rates on long-term customers through a practice called price optimization, betting you’ll stay put and keep paying more. How Insurers Raise Rates on Loyal Customers In a perfect […]
June 8, 2015
Retirement changes almost everything about your budget—including your car insurance. As drivers age, insurers often see them as higher risk, especially after 70, and premiums can creep up even with a clean record. The reality nowadays is different: many retirees are healthier, drive less, and maintain excellent driving histories well into their 70s and 80s. […]
February 17, 2015
It’s long been assumed that becoming a safer driver primarily requires time behind the wheel and accumulated experience. Many argue that cautious, mature drivers — like women over age 30 — are among the safest on the road. But recent research suggests there may be another (surprising) way to boost your driving instincts: playing action […]
January 28, 2015
Unless you live in an area with strong public transportation options, owning a car is often a necessity. A vehicle gives you the freedom to travel when and where you need—whether for work, errands, or family responsibilities. But convenience comes with a cost: between fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, driving can eat up a significant […]
January 15, 2015
Car insurance used to be relatively affordable and stable. In the last few years, though, premiums have surged across most of the United States. Inflation, higher repair and medical costs, more severe claims, and increasingly complex vehicles have all pushed auto insurance rates higher. Older research from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) — based on […]
August 28, 2014
Shopping for car insurance online should be simple—but it often isn’t. Many insurers demand pages of personal details and sometimes even your Social Security Number (SSN) before showing a single price. The good news: you can compare real auto insurance quotes without giving away highly sensitive information. With the right tools, you can see rates, […]
March 7, 2014
Thinking about switching car insurance companies? You’re not alone. Drivers change insurers all the time for better prices, improved service, or coverage that fits new life circumstances. The good news: switching is easier than most people think—and when done right, it can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Before you move your policy, it […]
February 19, 2014
No matter what part of the country you live in, winter driving requires different habits than other times of the year. Even northern Florida experiences bridge icing on cold nights—creating dangerous “black ice.” The farther north you go, the more frequently you’ll encounter snow, ice, wind, and visibility challenges. Some of the primary dangers of […]
September 24, 2013
Gas prices are something that everyone tries to pay attention to on a regular basis. A small increase in the average gas price can definitely have a huge impact on your monthly budget, especially if you are someone who has to drive a relatively long distance just to go to and from work every day. […]
August 21, 2013
Some cars are simply cheaper to own than others. While sticker price matters, long-term costs like maintenance, repairs, fuel economy, depreciation, and insurance have an even bigger impact on what you actually spend over the years. When shopping for a car, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership—not just the MSRP. A vehicle […]
July 9, 2013
Busy travel weekends in New York often come with heavier enforcement—more patrols, more stops, and more tickets. This guide explains how common violations can affect your NY car insurance, how the NY point system works, and what you can do to limit premium increases after a citation. Like many states, New York regularly increases traffic […]
June 30, 2013
Most of us have experienced the familiar slowdown on the highway as traffic backs up behind a crash. We rarely imagine that we could be the ones involved—but many drivers engage in dangerous habits every day without realizing how risky they are. Unsafe driving behaviors are among the leading causes of serious accidents, injuries, and […]
June 24, 2013
If you live in North Carolina, you enjoy some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the country. For years, national data has shown that NC drivers pay well below the U.S. average for full coverage. Safer roads, more rural driving, and unique state laws all work together to keep premiums down. What Keeps North […]