Choosing a car insurance policy can be a tricky situation, but it is only made more difficult when drivers aren't sure of the basics. Having proper insurance can ensure that drivers are covered if the need for auto repair arises or if there is an emergency on the road. In order to figure out what areas car owners need the most help, PEMCO Insurance conducted a survey of common insurance beliefs across the Pacific Northwest.
"Insurance typically isn't a common topic of conversation, and we've found several areas where drivers could use some 'Insurance 101,'" said PEMCO spokesman Jon Osterberg.
Here are some of the most widely-spread insurance myths in the auto industry today.
Color influences a policy
There is school of thought that says a red car cost more to insure than any other color, with various other shades also affecting how much average rates are. Red was usually believed to be the most expensive of the vehicles, as the color is closely associated with racing and may be more likely to attract the attention of fellow drivers or police cruisers.
Drivers who own a red car can breathe easy, as the color of a vehicle currently has no impact on insurance rates. In fact, when most companies provide the initial quotes to prospective drivers, they don't even ask for the color of the car. According to Car Insurance Guidebook, red cars are typically sportier models, and therefore more expensive, which may have given way to this myth.
Men pay more than women
Another common myth states that men pay more for car insurance than women. In fact, gender doesn't affect rates across all age ranges. The exception is male teen drivers, who often pay more than teen females because of statistical evidence pointing to men being riskier drivers at that age. As time goes on, men (especially male teens) generally accumulate more tickets or driving infractions than women, which then affects their insurance rates, MSN reports.
The driver's insurance takes precedence
Many people on the roads may be unsure about how insurance claims play out in the event of an accident. While the details may vary based on the case or policy, the general rule is that insurance goes by the car, not the driver. So if someone gets into an accident in a car other than their own, that vehicle's owner is responsible for covering the damage.