Ah, car insurance—the mysterious world of fine print, deductibles, and rates that seem to change faster than Texas weather. If you’ve ever felt like understanding your policy requires a law degree, you’re not alone. And with so much misinformation floating around, it’s no wonder people believe some wild things about car insurance.
Let’s cut through the nonsense and bust some of the biggest car insurance myths, once and for all.
Myth #1: “Red Cars Cost More to Insure”
This one refuses to die, much like bad fashion trends from the ‘80s. But here’s the truth: insurance companies don’t care about your car’s color. Your premium is based on factors like the make, model, engine size, age of the car, your driving record, and where you live. If you’re paying more for insurance, it’s not because your car is red—it’s because your Mustang GT has a habit of getting pulled over.
Myth #2: “Your Insurance Covers Everything”
Sure, and my coffee never spills when I hit a pothole. The reality is, standard car insurance covers a lot, but not everything. For example:
- Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others, not your own car.
- Collision coverage helps repair your car if you hit something.
- Comprehensive coverage protects against theft, hail, floods, and other disasters.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments help with medical bills.
Want full coverage? Make sure you have all the right pieces in place—otherwise, you might be in for a rude surprise.
Myth #3: “Older Drivers Always Pay Less”
Age and experience do help—until they don’t. Sure, a 45-year-old with a clean driving record pays less than a 20-year-old who thinks speed limits are suggestions. But once you hit your late 60s or 70s, rates can start creeping up again. Why? Because statistically, reaction times slow, and insurance companies adjust their risk calculations accordingly. The best way to keep rates low? Drive safely and ask about discounts.
Myth #4: “If Someone Borrows My Car, Their Insurance Covers It”
Nice try, but no. Car insurance follows the car, not the driver. If your friend borrows your car and gets into an accident, guess whose insurance takes the hit? That’s right—yours. So think twice before tossing your keys to someone who “swears” they’re a great driver.
Myth #5: “Comprehensive and Collision Coverage Are the Same Thing”
They sound similar, but they cover different disasters:
- Collision: You hit something (another car, a tree, your garage door because you misjudged the turn—hey, it happens).
- Comprehensive: Something hits you (hail, a deer, a runaway shopping cart, or a thief who decides your car looks better in their driveway).
If you want real protection, you probably need both.
Myth #6: “Minimum Coverage Is Enough”
Sure, if you enjoy gambling with your finances. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 (that’s $30,000 for injuries per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage). But in today’s world, one accident can rack up medical bills and repair costs far beyond those limits. If you don’t have enough coverage, guess who pays the rest? You.
Myth #7: “Filing a Claim Will Always Raise Your Rates”
Not necessarily. If you’re not at fault, your rates might not change at all. But if you’re the one who caused the accident, then yeah, your insurance company is going to notice. The best way to avoid a rate hike? Drive safely and know what’s covered before you need to make a claim.
Myth #8: “Your Credit Score Doesn’t Affect Your Rate”
Oh, it does. Insurance companies use your credit history to determine risk. A better score can mean lower rates, while a bad score can make your premium go up. Want to save money? Pay your bills on time, reduce debt, and keep an eye on your credit report.
Final Thoughts
Car insurance isn’t magic, and it’s definitely not out to get you—but believing the wrong things about it can cost you. Knowing what’s real and what’s a myth can help you make better decisions and keep more money in your pocket.
Got questions about your policy? Call Bluebonnet Insurance Solutions. We’ll give you straight answers—no myths, no nonsense, just the coverage you need at a price that makes sense.
Drive safe out there, and remember: the only thing a red car guarantees is more speeding tickets.
