Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion

Honda: Insurance Guide

Insuring your ride is an evil necessity and it's illegal if you don't do it. Some states fine you if you're caught driving without insurance, but you don't have to pay through the nose to get it.

By William Henderson - February 24, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002) and Honda Civic (1992-2000).

Let's start off with a few quick things to consider when shopping for your car insurance.

  • Ask your insurance agent if you qualify for any discounts, such as if your car has certain safety features. Most Honda Accords and Civics have one or more safety devices that can help you qualify for lower insurance rates than vehicles without these safety features.
  • Where you live is also a factor, and so does how many miles you drive per month or year. If you drive fewer than 7,500 miles, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount. In some states, you may even qualify if you drive up to 10,000 miles.
  • The age of your vehicle, the miles on it, your driving record, your gender, and your age also affect how much you'll pay.
Figure 1. 2000 Honda Accord.

Component Breakdown

Your ZIP Code Matters

Insurance companies consider where you live as the most important factor. They assess the risk of vandalism, collisions, and thefts in your area; they then come up with the base rate of insurance for your vehicle. According to a 2014 Car Connection survey, drivers in Green Springs, Ohio pay the least to insure their Honda Accords ($647), while drivers in Detroit pay the most ($5,109). Other cities where it costs less to insure a Honda Accord include Arden (North Carolina), Saco (Maine), Christiansburg (Virginia), and Boise (Idaho). Rates in these cities range from $671 to $753. On the other end of the spectrum, drivers in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Providence, and New Orleans pay premiums ranging from $2,542 to $3,877.

Car Insurance Companies

How much you pay for car insurance varies by insurance company. Allstate, for example, offers multiple types of discounts for Honda owners that qualify. It offers discounts for safe drivers, students, and seniors. They also offer discounts for cars that have anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and passive-restraint systems, which include mechanized seat belts and airbags. Since most Accords and Civics have one or more of these safety features, you can expect to save on your car insurance costs. How much you save for having one or more of these devices will also vary by company. Here insurance companies you might want to consider:

  • Allstate
  • AAA auto insurance
  • Progressive
  • GEICO
  • State Farm
  • Farmers
  • Mercury Insurance

Safety Ratings

How well Honda Accords and Civics do in government crash tests and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests help to keep insurance costs down. It earned five-star ratings in crash tests and received a "good" rating from the IIHS. The higher a car's safety ratings, the lower the insurance premiums will be, mainly because insurance companies expect to pay out fewer claims on these cars than on cars with lower safety ratings.

Car Modifications

Let your insurance agent know about any modifications your car has as these can affect your insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer supplementary insurance to cover customized parts and equipment. According to Keystone Assurance, an Allstate company, modifications that can affect your insurance rates include:

  • Stereo, sound reproducing, sound recording, and television equipment
  • Radios, citizens band radios, and scanners
  • Personal computers, Internet access, and navigation systems
  • Telephones, televisions, and video entertainment systems
  • Body, engine, exhaust, or suspension enhancers
  • Winches, anti-roll, or anti-sway bars
  • Custom grilles, louvers, side pipes, hood scoops, or spoilers
  • Custom wheels, tires, or spinners
  • Custom chrome and paint
  • Special carpeting or insulation
  • Furniture or bars
  • Height-extending roofs
  • Custom murals, paintings, or other decals or graphics

Common Questions

How Can I Find Affordable Car Insurance?

You don't have control over some factors. For example, men tend to pay more than woman, and the younger you are, the more likely you will pay more. But you can tip the scales in your favor by maintaining a good credit rating, joining a professional association, buying several lines of insurance with one company, taking advantage of available discounts, and insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy. Working with an insurance broker can also help you find the lowest rates. Insurance brokers have relationships with multiple companies and can provide you with the best rate. Also, drivers who make few claims, if any, tend to qualify for lower rates than drivers with an extensive claims history.

How Do I Get Information About My Claims History?

Insurance companies in some states also calculate the cost of insurance based on the number of claims you've had over a specific period of time. Your local Department of Motor Vehicles may be able to give you a copy of your claims history, but in most cases you'll need to get in touch with ChoicePoint Asset Company and ask for a copy of your C.L.U.E. Auto report. As of February 2015, you can call 1-800-456-6004 to get in touch with ChoicePoint.

Does It Matter if My Honda Came With an Anti-Theft Device or if I Installed It After I Bought the Car?

It likely doesn't matter if your car came with an anti-theft device or if you've installed it after you bought it. Most insurance companies just want to know if you have one and will offer a discount if you do.

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