<p>Reader question:

I know that if you have a science degree you can get a discount, but are there certain types of jobs (besides military, I mean, that’s obvious) that get it easier when it comes to car insurance?

Mark

Actually, Mark, there are.

It may come as a surprise to some, but Scientists rank the best with the lowest premium, whereas business owners come out on top with the highest. The question is, though, are these prices just reflections of the lifestyle that comes with being a member of these groups? After all, business owners and executives, both on the higher end, are more likely to have newer cars with more features and fuller protection, whereas when you think of a scientist, you think of someone who’s may be advancing technology but not necessarily paying mind to the latest trends. So what do these differences mean?

The base idea of it all has to do with how stressful and busy a job is. People like business owners, executives, and attorneys spend more time in their cars and also more time on the phones (and, let’s face it, usually both at once), and so they’re seen as higher risk. Scientist’s are considered more detail-oriented, and thus more likely to pay attention on the road. Actors and other artists also have lower premiums because they tend to live in urban areas where a car isn’t needed quite as much.

On top of that, while insurance companies have for years been giving discounts based on driving history and membership in certain organizations, they have just recently started giving out discounts based on occupation. Ask your car insurance company if your own occupation qualifies.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.