--- title: Where Does My Auto Insurance Premium Come From? description: In California, auto insurance liability is a must, and is mandatory due to state financial liability laws. Anybody who owns and operates a road vehic image: https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/hs-fs/file-13463309-jpg/images/where_does_my_auto_insurance_premium_come_from.jpg --- [![logo](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/hs-fs/file-2124776912-png/image/logo.png)](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/) [![Facebook](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/hs-fs/file-2124776847-png/image/f.png)](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sutherland-Scherff+Insurance+Services,+Inc./259814816749)[![Twitter](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/hs-fs/file-2123924931-png/image/t.png)](http://www.twitter.com/SutherlandIns)[![YouTube](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/hs-fs/file-2124776862-png/image/y.png)](http://www.youtube.com/user/SutherlandIns)(888) 400-1133 # The Insurance Family Blog ## [Where Does My Auto Insurance Premium Come From?](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/blog/bid/59912/Where-Does-My-Auto-Insurance-Premium-Come-From) Posted by [Susie Scherff](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/blog/author/susie-scherff) on July 14, 2011 at 9:41 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Where Does My Auto Insurance Premium Come From](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/hs-fs/file-13463309-jpg/images/where_does_my_auto_insurance_premium_come_from.jpg?width=221&height=166&name=where_does_my_auto_insurance_premium_come_from.jpg)In California, **auto insurance liability** is a must, and is mandatory due to state financial liability laws. Anybody who owns and operates a road vehicle must take out **auto insurance** to ensure they will be able to cover minimum liability costs should an accident or incident take place on California roads. Since taking out auto insurance is unavoidable for most people, there is a lot of competition and we know that people shop around. But do you really understand what factors go into determining the premium of your auto insurance? The top five factors that affect your [auto insurance](https://www.sutherland-scherff.com/personal-insurance/auto-insurance/) premium are as follows:  ## **Are You Male Or Female?**  Obviously this is a factor you have no control over. Generally men are thought to have more dangerous driving habits than women, and subsequently, in combination with the age factor, men can sometimes get a raw deal in terms of **auto insurance premiums**.                                                                                                                                                   **** ## **The Age Factor** A younger and hence more inexperienced driver will always be perceived as higher risk when calculating **insurance premiums**. Maturity is something that comes with experience and can be applied to driving, however younger drivers can make an effort to keep a clean driving record that will affect their **auto insurance premium** positively. ## **Consider Your Vehicle Type Carefully** Here is a factor completely within your control – the **lower valued the car** and the **smaller the engine**, the **lower your insurance premium** is likely to be. If cost is an issue for you then we would definitely suggest choosing a vehicle with a smaller engine and lower value. ## **Keep A Clean Driving Record** Again, this is something you have influence over and can control to get the **best auto insurance rate**. It might seem like a thrill to race around town, but speeding violations and accident claims all go against your driving record and will be taken into account when calculating your premium. **Drive safely and sensibly** to help keep your premium down! ## **Choose The Right Company** Shopping around is always beneficial and the right company will take your personal circumstances and driving record into account when calculating your California **auto insurance premium**. Choose a **professional auto insurance provider** who will treat every quote on a case-by-case basis, like Sutherland-Scherff. Contact Sutherland-Scherff today to get the best advice on California auto insurance premiums. 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