I was an insurance agent for Geico for a while, and I did alot of underwriting, so I know what they base their rates on. Frankly, I dont think its fair how they pick and choose who to give the best rates to, so I dont mind sharing my insider knowledge with anyone.
Various things are going to affect your rate. There are some things you cant change; your vehicle type, your age, your driving history, etc. But here are some things that CAN help ya.
To get the best rates, you'll need a good education. So if you dont have a Bachelor's degree or higher, you wont get preferred rates. (I recommend telling them you have a Bachelor's, Master's, Doctrate, etc.)
You'll also need what Geico considers a "good" job. Each job is given a rating, 1 thru 5. 1 is good, 5 is bad. Accountants and teachers are a 1. Lawyer's and Doctors are 2's. Insurance agents are 3's. Plumbers and the like are 4's. Waiter and other blue collars are 5's. Hint: You wanna say you are a 1!!
Marital status: Being married is the best case. But if you say you are married, you must have your spouse rated on your policy too! If you aren't married, single is the next best thing. Divorce or widowed comes in last. If you aren't married, you'll need to state that you have children, this will get you back to a "married rate". (Single with kids is better than divorced with kids.)
Driving history:
When giving your driving history, its best to just say that you cant recall any tickets or accidents. If they are any on your record, they will find out and let you know before you get your policy. (they run DMV reports real-time and can look at your driving history while on the phone with you). If you try to be honest and admit to a ticket you got a year ago, and then it doesnt actually show up on your report, they'll charge you for it anyway! So zip your lips until they let you know what's on your record! If something comes up, you just say, "Oh, I totally forgot about that, I'm sorry."
I almost forgot these:
Yes, you are a home owner!!! Renters wont get as good a rate!
You have been at your residence for 5+ years!
You have been with your current insurance company for 5+ years!
They do not verify anything other than your driving history. They'll never know you are a highschool drop-out and a waiter. Or that you're divorced and have no children.
They can however see anyone who has their driver's license registered at your address, so if you have any roomates or anyone you dont wanna include on your insurance, they either need to have their own policy or you could just say that it must be someone whol lived there before you and that you have no idea who that person is.
Ok, I think that covers nearly everything. Oops, forgot discounts. If you use the criteria above, you will probably be eligible for the 10% discount for taking defensive driving, its good for 3 years, you can take it online, and it is SOOO worth it!
Be sure they know your car has airbags, abs, passive security system, VIN etching on all windows and Lo-Jack (only if you have lo-jack, they may ask to see proof of this one).
You could say you are military, E-6 and above get better rates. Any government employees may get a discount (think occupation: teacher; Get a discount for working for the school district!)
Also, affiliation with certain credit unions or alumni groups can get you a discount. I know Navy Credit Union is one of them.
All discounts may not be available to everyone based on your state laws and what-not.
And you may find some questions I havent covered. But I am a licensed agent in Texas, so all of this is correct for anyone in this state.
Get a quote online at www.geico.com using your REAL info, then try it again (different email addy) using the tips I have provided and lemme know the difference. ;)
P.S.
I'm not pushing Geico on anyone, this is just the co. that I had worked for and I know their underwriting. Underwriting is different for each insurance company...