Does your job title affect car insurance cost?
Written by:
Verity Hogan
Content Manager
Your job title affects your car insurance price, even if you don’t drive for your job. Find out how insurance providers use your occupation when calculating the cost of car insurance policies.
Caution
- When you apply for a car insurance quote, you must give your age, which affects the cost of your premium.
- Depending on your age, it can reduce or increase the cost of your insurance.
- You must be honest. Not telling the truth about your age can invalidate your insurance.
- Car insurance companies use statistics about claims to predict the likelihood that drivers in different age groups will claim on their insurance in the future.
Why do car insurance companies ask for your occupation?
Your car insurance policy is more expensive when your job involves a lot of driving, and these occupations include delivery drivers, couriers, taxi drivers, and tradespeople like plumbers and electricians. Alternatively, occupations that typically demand much less driving, such as teachers, sales assistants and astronauts, will likely get cheaper insurance.
Insurance providers see unemployed drivers as a higher risk because they are likely to drive while looking for a new job. Drivers on disability benefits should not pay more insurance by law; however, if a car is modified, it can cost more to insure. If you are retired, you will likely pay less for insurance premiums because of your years of driving experience.
Do car insurance companies check employment?
Most insurance providers don’t check your employment details when you apply for car insurance. However, they might want to confirm your employment status in specific circumstances or if you make a claim. If you don’t answer the insurance questions truthfully, your insurance could be invalidated.
Does being self-employed affect your car insurance premium?
Is it better to be employed or self-employed for car insurance?
Self-employed drivers pay higher car insurance premiums, as insurance companies consider you a higher risk than being employed.
If you work for yourself and drive a car, van or another vehicle as part of your job, it will affect the type of motor insurance you need:
- Van insurance for tradespeople, which can also carry expensive equipment
- Courier insurance.
- Taxi driver insurance
Many job titles can be employed or self-employed. Even when you do not need to drive to work, you’ll likely pay more if you are your own boss.
It’s not all bad news. You might be able to claim self-employed car insurance as a tax-deductible expense.
Does being an unemployed driver affect car insurance quotes?
Car insurers usually consider unemployed drivers to be riskier than those in employment, and insurance premiums tend to be higher.
Why are unemployed drivers a higher risk?
They are more likely to be a credit risk – meaning they are less likely to pay their debts.
Less likely to service their vehicle – out-of-work drivers with less disposable income might try to save on the car’s running cost.
Concerns of being unemployed can cause financial distraction and other worries with an increased chance of an accident.
Unemployed drivers looking for a job tend to travel extra miles while searching for work
Is car insurance cheaper for students or employed?
When applying for car insurance, most who list their primary occupation as “student” are under 25. Insurers typically consider this age group the riskiest to insure and will generally charge higher premiums. Even if you’re a mature student, car insurance may be more expensive than expected. However, your age and driving experience will count in your favour.
Does being retired affect car insurance?
Do retired people pay more for car insurance?
No. When you retire, you’ll likely get cheaper car insurance. Not only do insurers consider retirees the least risky drivers, but they also tend to drive at safer times and no longer commute to work at peak times when accidents are most likely.
Can I change my job title to make my insurance cheaper?
Never select the wrong job title when completing your car insurance quote. Although you’ll probably reduce the insurance cost, there is no point as you would invalidate the policy.
Likewise, don’t exaggerate your job title as many younger people do. If you’re a stacker in Tesco, don’t select assistant manager – you’ll pay higher insurance for a bit of ego.
You might see several options on the list that fit your job description. Use a comparison website to get quotes for each job title to see which is cheaper.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I change jobs or lose my job?
Yes, if your job status changes, such as change jobs or losing your job, you must update your insurer. Whether your premium goes up, down or remains the same depends on your job.
What other factors impact the cost of car insurance?
Although your job title plays a significant role, it’s one of many factors used to calculate your premium, some of which are:
Your age – typically, young drivers are considered a higher risk on the road, so they should expect to pay more for their car insurance.
Your job – some jobs are considered riskier than others, with more time spent on the road.
Mileage – the more miles you drive, the higher the risk of you having an accident.
The make and model of the car you drive and the insurance group it falls under significantly affect how much you’ll pay.