One of the most common questions we get here at The Zebra is why do guys have to pay more for car insurance? It’s a fair question and there are a few possible explanations.
First let’s look at the numbers. We ran a rate analysis across all 50 states and found that on average males pay about $15 more per month for car insurance than females.
There are a few possible explanations for this discrepancy. One theory is that males are more likely to take risks behind the wheel resulting in more accidents. Males also tend to drive more expensive (and thus more costly to insure) cars.
It’s important to note however that car insurance rates are determined by a variety of factors and gender is just one of them. Your driving history the type of car you drive and your zip code are all much more important factors in determining your rates.
So if you’re a guy and you’re paying more for car insurance don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to save on your premium and The Zebra can help you find them.
Why do guys have to pay more for car insurance?
Studies have shown that men are more likely to take risks while driving which leads to more accidents and thus insurance companies charge them more.
Is this fair?
Some people argue that it’s not fair because women are just as capable of getting into accidents.
However the data shows that men are more likely to take risks so insurance companies feel justified in charging them more.
But what about safe drivers?
Safe drivers usually get lower rates regardless of gender.
However because men are more likely to take risks they are still overall charged more.
What if I’m a guy and I don’t want to pay more?
You could try shopping around for insurance companies that have lower rates for men.
You could also try asking for discounts based on your safe driving record.
Aren’t there laws against gender discrimination?
There are laws against discrimination but insurance companies are allowed to use gender as a factor in rates as long as they can justify it with data.
So why do women get cheaper car insurance?
Women are less likely to take risks while driving which leads to fewer accidents and thus insurance companies charge them less.
Is this fair?
Some people argue that it’s not fair because women are just as capable of getting into accidents.
However the data shows that women are less likely to take risks so insurance companies feel justified in charging them less.
But what about safe drivers?
Safe drivers usually get lower rates regardless of gender.
However because women are less likely to take risks they are still overall charged less.
What if I’m a woman and I don’t want to pay less?
You could try shopping around for insurance companies that have higher rates for women.
You could also try asking for discounts based on your safe driving record.
Why do insurance companies use gender as a factor?
Insurance companies use gender as a factor because studies have shown that men are more likely to take risks while driving which leads to more accidents.
Isn’t this sexist?
Some people argue that using gender as a factor is sexist because it stereotypes all men as being careless drivers.
However the data shows that men are more likely to take risks so insurance companies feel justified in using this as a factor.
What do other countries do?
In some countries insurance companies are not allowed to use gender as a factor.
In others insurance companies are allowed to use gender as a factor but must offer equal rates to both men and women.
What about other factors?
Insurance companies can use other factors besides gender to determine rates.
These can include things like driving record type of vehicle etc.
So insurance companies are just trying to make money?
Insurance companies are businesses and their goal is to make money.
However they are regulated to make sure that they are fair and not discriminating against certain groups of people.
What can I do if I think my insurance company is being unfair?
If you think your insurance company is being unfair you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner.
