State Farm's Baby Boom: Does Parenthood Impact Auto Insurance Rates?

State Farm offers a range of auto insurance discounts to its customers, but having a baby does not seem to be one of the factors that directly influence the cost of car insurance. However, State Farm does provide discounts for families with multiple household vehicles. Other factors that affect car insurance rates include the policy and deductibles, driving record, safety features of the vehicle, and credit history.

State Farm auto insurance discounts for families

State Farm offers a range of auto insurance discounts for its customers, including families. Here are some of the ways families can save on their car insurance with State Farm:

Multiple Vehicles

Families with more than one vehicle in the household may be eligible for a discount on their car insurance. This is a great way for families to save, especially if they have multiple cars, or if their children also have their own cars.

Safe Driver Discounts

State Farm rewards safe driving. If you maintain an accident-free record or take steps to improve your driving skills, you can benefit from discounts. The Drive Safe & Save® app offers an initial discount for enrolling, and you can save up to 30% based on your driving performance. The Steer Clear® program is aimed at new and young drivers under 25, offering savings while they develop their driving skills.

Student Discounts

Students can benefit from good student discounts, which can save them up to 25% on their auto insurance. This discount can last until the student turns 25 and is a great way to keep costs down during the college years.

Student Away from Home

If your child is away at college and only uses the family car during school vacations, you may be eligible for the Student Away at School Discount. This is a great option to reduce costs when your child is not a regular driver of the vehicle.

Bundling Policies

State Farm offers additional savings if you have multiple insurance policies with them. For example, if you have homeowners, renters, condo, or life insurance in addition to your vehicle insurance, you can benefit from bundling discounts.

Defensive Driving Course Discount

Taking a driver safety course can also help you save on your car insurance. Depending on your location, you can ask your local State Farm agent for a list of qualifying courses and requirements.

Accident-Free and Good Driving Savings

State Farm rewards customers who have gone three or more years without moving violations or at-fault accidents with their Good Driver Discount. Accident-free driving can also lead to additional savings on your policy.

These are just a few of the ways that State Farm auto insurance offers discounts for families. It's always a good idea to review your policy and discuss your options with your State Farm agent to ensure you're getting the best rates and taking advantage of all the discounts available to you.

Preparing for a baby: insurance considerations

Having a baby is an exciting time, but it can also be a time of financial worry. There are a lot of extra expenses to consider, and insurance is one of the most important. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your new arrival:

Health insurance

Health insurance is vital for expecting mothers. The Affordable Care Act has made it mandatory for all individual insurance plans to include pregnancy, labour and delivery, and newborn care. However, there are still many different levels of coverage to choose from. It is important to review your policy and understand what is and isn't covered, including prenatal care, testing, labour and delivery, and newborn wellness care.

If you are planning to get pregnant, it may be worth switching policies during open enrollment to one that offers broader coverage. You may also want to upgrade your current plan to one with a lower deductible or more comprehensive coverage, even if the premiums are higher.

It is also important to find an in-network pediatrician to avoid unexpected out-of-network care charges.

Life insurance

Life insurance is another important consideration for expecting parents. These policies ensure that, should anything happen to either parent, there are enough financial resources available to care for the child and the surviving parent. It is also a good idea to look into basic life insurance plans for your child.

Disability insurance

Disability insurance is another topic that is important to consider when planning to have a baby. If you become disabled and unable to work, disability insurance can provide an income to meet your family's financial obligations. It is worth reviewing your current plan and looking into adding or increasing coverage to compensate for additional monthly expenses.

Auto insurance

While auto insurance may not be the first thing you think of when preparing for a baby, it is worth considering as part of your overall financial plan. Review your policy with your insurance agent and eliminate any coverage you may not need to lower your costs.

You may also want to consider bundling your auto insurance with other insurance policies, such as home insurance, to save money.

Other considerations

In addition to insurance, there are several other financial considerations to keep in mind when preparing for a baby:

• Start or add to your emergency fund to cover unexpected costs.
• Review your budget and consider the cost of prenatal care, birth, one-time baby purchases, maternity/paternity leave, and new monthly bills.
• Start a college fund.
• Create a will or trust and select an executor or trustee to manage your assets.
• Choose a guardian for your child in the event of your death.

Safe driving tips for pregnant women

Pregnant or not, safety should always be the top priority when driving. However, when you're expecting, there are a few extra things to keep in mind to ensure both your safety and that of your baby. Here are some essential safe driving tips for pregnant women:

Seat belt safety:

• Always wear your seat belt, and ensure you wear it correctly. Position the lap portion of the belt as far under your belly as possible, not across your stomach.
• Adjust the shoulder portion of the belt so that it sits between your breasts and to the side of your belly, falling across the center of your shoulder and chest, away from your neck.
• Keep the lap belt secured low on your hips, never across or above your stomach.
• Avoid wearing the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.

Vehicle adjustments:

• Move your seat as far back as possible while still being able to access important functions like the brakes, gear shift, and headlights.
• If your vehicle has a tilt steering wheel, angle it towards your breastbone instead of your growing belly. This helps maintain a safe distance between you and the steering wheel.

Avoiding distractions:

• Minimize distractions while driving. Avoid using your phone, changing music, or any other activities that take your attention off the road.
• Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent mode to prevent notifications or calls from becoming a distraction.

Planning for comfort and safety:

• Plan for frequent breaks during long drives. Stop, stretch, and walk to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of swelling.
• Stay hydrated by carrying water with you, and pack snacks to maintain your energy levels.
• If possible, avoid driving during bad weather conditions or heavy traffic to minimize stress and reduce the risk of accidents.

Knowing your limits:

• If you feel extra tired, nauseous, or dizzy, don't drive. Pull over and rest if necessary.
• Avoid driving if you're unable to sit in a safe and comfortable position due to your pregnancy.
• Don't drive if you're unable to make frequent stops, as this can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Airbag safety:

• Ensure your airbags are functional and in working order. According to a 2010 study, there is no added risk of injury to your baby from airbag use.
• Keep a safe distance between yourself and the steering wheel or airbag. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends maintaining at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and your breastbone.

Seeking medical attention:

Always see your healthcare provider after any traffic accident, even if it seems minor. This is important to ensure both your safety and that of your baby.

Remember, while driving while pregnant is generally safe, there may be times when it's best to let someone else take the wheel. Listen to your body, and if driving becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell, find alternative transportation options. Your safety and the safety of your baby are paramount.

State Farm life insurance for growing families

Having a baby is a life-changing event, and State Farm is here to help you navigate the financial complexities of growing your family. State Farm's life insurance options can provide peace of mind and ensure your family's financial security.

State Farm offers various life insurance policies to meet the diverse needs of growing families. One option is the Select Term Rider, which provides life insurance coverage up to age 95 with level premiums for 10, 20, or 30 years. This rider can be added to an existing State Farm Select Term or Whole Life insurance policy, providing coverage for both the insured and their spouse. The minimum coverage amount is $100,000, and it can be converted to a permanent policy if needed.

Another option is the Children's Term Rider, which offers life insurance coverage for your children. With just one rider, each child in your family, including those yet to be born, can be covered for up to $20,000. This coverage terminates when the child turns 25 but can be converted to permanent coverage.

State Farm also offers Whole Life and Universal Life insurance policies. Whole Life insurance provides permanent coverage, builds cash value over time, and has level premiums for the duration of the policy. Universal Life insurance is also a permanent policy, offering flexible premium payments and death benefits while building tax-deferred cash value.

By choosing State Farm life insurance, you can rest assured that your growing family will be financially protected, no matter what the future holds. Contact a State Farm agent today to discuss your specific needs and explore the options available to you.

State Farm auto insurance quotes

State Farm offers auto insurance quotes for free. You can get a quote online or by contacting a State Farm agent. If you have more than four vehicles or four drivers in your household, you will need to contact a State Farm agent for a quote. The same applies if you are trying to insure a classic automobile or any atypical vehicle type, such as a motorcycle, snowmobile, camper, or ATV.

The quote is an estimate based on the information you provide and contains descriptions of available coverages. It is not a statement of contract, and all coverages are subject to policy provisions and applicable endorsements. Coverages, availability, and minimum coverage limits vary by state.

State Farm offers various discounts and savings on car insurance, including:

• Safe driver discounts
• Student discounts
• Family with multiple household vehicles discounts
• Passive restraint discounts
• Anti-theft device discounts
• Good student discounts
• Driver training discounts
• Student away at school discounts
• Pay-in-full discounts
• Loyalty discounts
• Low mileage discounts

Frequently asked questions