5 Things That Affect Your Insurance Quote—and How to Lower It

Ray Cogan

Many of the Factors that Affect Your Premiums Can be Adjusted or Optimized.

As summer draws to a close in Frederick, Annapolis, MD., and Washington, D.C., now is a smart time to check in on one of your most essential (but often overlooked) financial tools: your insurance policy. Whether it’s for your home, car, or business, your insurance quote is influenced by more than you might think.

The good news? Many of the factors that affect your premiums can be adjusted or optimized. Below, we break down five key things that impact your insurance quote—and share practical tips on how to lower it, just in time for fall.

1. Your Location: Zip Code

Where you live or run your business plays a major role in determining your insurance quote. Insurance companies assess risk based on your zip code, including:

Crime rates
Traffic patterns
Weather risks (like flooding, storms, or wildfire potential)

In places like Frederick, insurance rates may reflect suburban traffic, while Annapolis residents may pay slightly more due to coastal flooding concerns. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. policies tend to reflect the city’s higher population density and increased property risk.

How to Lower It:

Consider bundling home and auto insurance for a multi-policy discount.
Ask your insurer about discounts for home security systems or vehicle anti-theft devices.
Raise your deductible slightly to lower your monthly premium (just make sure you have savings set aside in case of an emergency).

2. Your Credit Score

In many states, including Maryland and D.C., your credit history may impact your insurance quote. Statistically, insurers have found that individuals with higher credit scores are less likely to file large or frequent claims. ***

How to Lower It:

Pay bills on time and monitor your credit report for errors.
Pay down credit card balances to reduce utilization.
Ask your insurer if they offer quotes based on your current credit snapshot, not just historical data.

3. Your Claims History

Have you filed multiple claims in the past few years? Even if they weren’t your fault, they could raise your quote. Insurance companies see claims frequency as an indicator of future risk.

For example, if you’ve filed two home insurance claims in the past three years—say, for water damage or roof repairs—it may make your home riskier in the eyes of your insurer.

How to Lower It:

Practice preventive maintenance on your home and vehicle.
Self-pay for smaller issues instead of filing a claim.
Consider installing smart home tech (e.g., leak detectors, smart thermostats) that could reduce future claims and may qualify for discounts.

4. The Type and Amount of Coverage You Choose

It may sound obvious, but the more coverage you have, the higher your quote will be. But the key is not to reduce your coverage blindly—it's about finding the right balance between risk and affordability.

If you’re overinsured (for example, carrying collision coverage on a car that’s worth less than $3,000), you might be paying more than necessary. On the other hand, being underinsured puts you at serious financial risk.

How to Lower It:

Work with an independent agent, like Lindquist Insurance, to tailor your policy to your exact needs.
Review your coverage levels every 6–12 months—especially after a life change like buying a home, starting a business, or getting married.
Raise deductibles where you’re comfortable to lower premiums.

5. The Discounts You’re Missing Out On

One of the most overlooked ways to reduce your insurance quote is by taking advantage of all available discounts. Every insurer offers a wide range of ways to save—but you need to ask for them.

Some common discounts include:

Multi-policy (home + auto)
Claim-free history
Paid-in-full premium discounts
Good driver discounts
Smart home or vehicle technology
Loyalty discounts
Military, teacher, or senior discounts

How to Lower It:

Ask your agent for a discount review annually.
Be transparent about all your affiliations (alumni groups, employer, military status, etc.) that could unlock savings.
Consider switching carriers if your current one doesn’t reward your loyalty or history.

At Lindquist Insurance, we serve families and businesses in Frederick, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C., helping them understand and optimize their insurance quotes year-round. We’re a local agency with national reach, working with multiple insurance carriers to help you find the best price without sacrificing quality coverage.

We’ll do the shopping for you—so you don’t have to fill out dozens of quote forms online or guess if you’re getting the right deal.

As summer wraps up and life ramps up again, now is the time to review your insurance, update your details, and explore ways to lower your quote without lowering your protection.

Don’t wait for renewal season to get started. Lindquist Insurance has a staff of experienced insurance specialists. Contact Lindquist Insurance today to schedule your free, no-obligation insurance quote review.

Serving Frederick, Annapolis, MD., and Washington, D.C.

*** To find out how your credit history can affect your insurance premiums, visit the Experian website.

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