Which Gender Pays More for Auto Insurance?

Last Updated on February 8, 2023

Car insurance rates depend on a wide variety of factors. To determine your premium prices, car insurance companies will look at your overall profile to determine how much of a risk you are. They look at things like your vehicle and your driving history, but they also look at your general demographics. Gender is one factor that can play into the total cost of your car insurance, and you may be wondering which gender actually pays more for their coverage. In this article, we’ll look at how gender affects the overall cost of car insurance.

Statistically, Women Pay More – but Not by Much

When looking at the overall averages for car insurance payments, women tend to pay more than their male counterparts. According to The Zebra, women pay an average of $740 for a six-month policy, compared to an average of $735 for men. However, this amount can vary dramatically depending on other demographic factors. The difference between what men and women pay for car insurance is statistically very small, so women won’t see substantial price increases purely because of gender.

Young Men Pay More Than Young Women

The gender statistics for drivers flip when they are under 25. Younger drivers almost always pay more for car insurance, because they are less experienced and therefore much more likely to get into an accident. This is because young men are statistically much more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors than young women of the same age. These risky behaviors include not wearing seatbelts, driving over the speed limit, and not obeying traffic laws.

The cost difference between genders is particularly high for drivers between the ages of 16 and 19. The same report states that 16-year-old male drivers pay an average of $3,897 for a six-month premium, while a 16-year-old female driver would only pay $3,387. By the time drivers reach the age of 24, the difference is much smaller. 24-year-old men pay an average of $1,381 for a six-month premium, while 24-year-old women pay $1,242. You’ll note that the overall averages drop dramatically for both genders in the space of just a few years.

Prices Differ by Location

Auto insurance costs vary widely by location, so the amount you’ll pay will depend on your state. Some states have strict rules about how insurance companies calculate their premiums, which means that they cannot take gender into account when providing you with a quote. The states where gender is not a factor in car insurance prices are California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Montana. Prices can also vary by state and city, just because some cities are considered riskier to drive in than others. Drivers in large metropolitan areas are typically considered risky to insure because they have more traffic and a higher rate of accidents. States with more erratic weather patterns are also more expensive to insure because snow and ice can lead to accidents, and storms can also cause damage to parked cars.

Marital Status Can Also Affect Your Car Insurance Prices

Another factor that many insurance companies consider when determining your prices is your marital status. Statistically, married drivers are less likely to get into accidents and file claims than their unmarried counterparts. Because of this, insurance companies charge unmarried drivers slightly higher rates. This is particularly true for unmarried women, whose statistical difference tends to be more pronounced. Many companies also offer discounts for putting more than one car on the same policy, which can benefit married couples or couples living together. Married couples are also statistically more likely to be homeowners, and many car insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners as well.

How Can I Reduce My Car Insurance Premiums?

Regardless of your gender, there are several things you can do to keep your car insurance premiums affordable. Here are some easy things you can do to find affordable car insurance premiums.

• Get quotes from many different types of car insurance providers. With so many factors affecting car insurance costs, your quotes can vary significantly among providers. Look at both large national insurance providers and smaller local ones, as both can be very valuable. You’ll save a significant amount of money by taking the time to shop around for your insurance instead of just going with the first company you can find. If you’re struggling to find an insurance company that works for you, you may also want to consider going through an independent insurance agent. They can use their expertise to help you find the right coverage and discounts for your needs.
• If you need to lower your premium prices quickly, consider raising your deductible. Raising your deductible should automatically lower your premium prices because you must pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. Just be sure that you will realistically be able to pay your deductible should you get into an accident.
• Reassess your coverage. Many people actually buy more coverage than they will ever use in an attempt to be cost-effective. Look into places where you can reasonably cut your coverage without putting yourself at risk on the road.
• See if your insurance company has a telematics program. With telematics, your car insurance company will track some of your driving habits, and you will get a discount in return. Usually, you will get a discount just for signing up, and you can increase your discount if you drive safely. Some insurance companies will send you a tracking device, but many will have you track your driving habits using an app on your phone. They’ll look at your speed, braking habits, and how much you drive in general. The less you drive, the more you can save.
• Ask about discounts. Almost all car insurance companies offer a range of discounts for their customers – you may just not be aware of them. You may earn a discount just for switching to online bill pay or taking a short defensive driving course, for example. Check in with your insurance company every time you renew your policy to see what your options are when it comes to discounts.
• Look into mileage-based car insurance. If you don’t drive often, you can save a huge amount of money with mileage-based programs. These insurance programs charge you based on how much you drive instead of a flat monthly rate. Although they’re not available everywhere, it’s worth checking to see if these programs are available in your area.

Many factors affect the overall cost of your car insurance policy, including your gender and other demographic information. Knowing how insurance premiums are calculated can help you be a smarter shopper and choose the right car insurance for your needs. Although gender affects your premiums, the overall price is a combined representation of the financial risk you present to your insurance company.