2021 Honda Civic EXL: What's The Insurance Cost?

by Alex Braham 49 views

Alright, guys, let's dive into something super important if you're thinking about snagging a 2021 Honda Civic EXL – insurance costs! No one wants to be caught off guard by unexpected expenses, and insurance premiums can definitely throw a wrench in your budgeting plans. So, we're going to break down everything you need to know about insuring your shiny new (or new-to-you) Civic EXL. Let's get started!

Factors Affecting Insurance Rates

First off, let's talk about what goes into calculating your insurance rates. It's not just some random number they pull out of a hat. Insurance companies look at a whole bunch of factors to determine how much of a risk you are. Understanding these factors can help you get a better handle on why your rates are what they are and maybe even find ways to lower them.

  • Your Driving Record: This is a big one, guys. If you've got a history of accidents, tickets, or other violations, your rates are going to be higher. Insurance companies see you as a higher risk because you've already demonstrated a tendency to get into trouble on the road. On the flip side, a clean driving record is your best friend when it comes to getting lower premiums.
  • Your Age and Experience: Younger drivers, especially those under 25, typically pay more for insurance. Why? Because statistically, they're more likely to be involved in accidents. As you get older and gain more driving experience, your rates should gradually decrease, assuming you maintain a clean record.
  • Your Location: Where you live can have a significant impact on your insurance rates. If you live in a densely populated urban area with high rates of theft and accidents, you're likely to pay more than someone who lives in a quiet rural area. Even within the same city, different neighborhoods can have different rates based on factors like crime rates and traffic density.
  • Your Credit Score: In many states, insurance companies use your credit score as a factor in determining your rates. People with higher credit scores are seen as more responsible and less likely to file claims, so they often get lower premiums. If your credit score isn't great, it might be worth working on improving it to save money on insurance.
  • The Car Itself: Of course, the type of car you drive plays a big role in your insurance rates. More expensive cars, sports cars, and cars that are frequently stolen tend to be more expensive to insure. On the other hand, safe, practical cars like the Honda Civic often have lower insurance rates.
  • Coverage Levels: The amount of coverage you choose also affects your rates. If you opt for minimum liability coverage, you'll pay less than if you choose comprehensive and collision coverage with higher limits. However, keep in mind that skimping on coverage could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of an accident.

Why the 2021 Honda Civic EXL Is Relatively Affordable to Insure

So, why is the 2021 Honda Civic EXL generally considered to be relatively affordable to insure? There are several reasons:

  • Safety Features: The Civic EXL comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help prevent accidents, which reduces the risk of claims and lowers insurance rates.
  • Good Safety Ratings: The Honda Civic consistently earns high safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings demonstrate that the Civic is a safe car, which can translate to lower insurance premiums.
  • Reliability: Honda is known for its reliability, and the Civic is no exception. Reliable cars are less likely to break down or require expensive repairs, which can also help keep insurance costs down.
  • Common Car: The Civic is a very common car on the road. This means parts are readily available and mechanics are familiar with the car, making repairs easier and less expensive.

Average Insurance Costs for the 2021 Honda Civic EXL

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks – how much can you expect to pay for insurance on a 2021 Honda Civic EXL? Keep in mind that these are just averages, and your actual rates may vary depending on the factors we discussed earlier. However, this should give you a general idea.

  • National Average: On average, you can expect to pay around $1,400 to $1,800 per year for full coverage insurance on a 2021 Honda Civic EXL. This works out to about $115 to $150 per month.
  • State Variations: Insurance rates vary significantly by state. For example, states like Michigan and Louisiana tend to have higher rates due to factors like high claim frequency and no-fault insurance laws. States like Maine and New Hampshire tend to have lower rates.
  • Liability vs. Full Coverage: If you opt for minimum liability coverage, you'll pay less, but you'll also have less protection. Liability coverage typically only covers damages you cause to others in an accident, not damages to your own car. Full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage, will protect your car from a wider range of risks, such as theft, vandalism, and accidents.

Tips to Lower Your Insurance Rates

Okay, so now you have a good idea of what to expect in terms of insurance costs. But what if you want to lower your rates even further? Here are a few tips:

  • Shop Around: Don't just settle for the first quote you get. Shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance companies. You might be surprised at how much prices can vary.
  • Increase Your Deductible: Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. By increasing your deductible, you can lower your premiums. However, make sure you can afford to pay the higher deductible if you need to file a claim.
  • Bundle Your Insurance: If you have multiple insurance policies, such as car insurance and home insurance, consider bundling them with the same company. Many insurers offer discounts for bundling.
  • Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course. This can be a great way to improve your driving skills and save money on insurance.
  • Maintain a Good Credit Score: As we mentioned earlier, your credit score can affect your insurance rates in many states. Work on improving your credit score to get lower premiums.
  • Ask About Discounts: Don't be afraid to ask your insurance company about available discounts. You might be eligible for discounts based on your profession, affiliations, or driving habits.

Real-World Examples and Scenarios

Let's look at a few real-world examples to illustrate how these factors can affect insurance rates:

  • Scenario 1: A 22-year-old male driver with a speeding ticket living in Miami, Florida, might pay significantly more for insurance on a 2021 Honda Civic EXL than a 45-year-old female driver with a clean record living in Boise, Idaho.
  • Scenario 2: Someone who chooses minimum liability coverage might pay less upfront but could face significant out-of-pocket expenses if they're involved in an accident that causes extensive damage.
  • Scenario 3: A driver who bundles their car insurance with their home insurance and takes a defensive driving course could save hundreds of dollars per year.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to understanding the insurance costs for a 2021 Honda Civic EXL. While the exact amount you'll pay will depend on a variety of factors, the Civic EXL is generally considered to be relatively affordable to insure, thanks to its safety features, reliability, and good safety ratings. By understanding the factors that affect insurance rates and taking steps to lower your premiums, you can get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Drive safe, guys!