Insurance is a tedious subject that means a lot of different things to different people. What does insurance mean to you? Insurance is very tough to calculate, so tough in fact, that insurance agencies hire large staffs whose only responsibility is to calculate insurance premiums.

Car insurance is one of the more vital and recognizable insurances you will ever be covered under. Why is it so important? Car insurance more than any other type of insurance, rewards people that play it safe and our smart. The older you get, the more discount on your premium you are awarded.

The history is also factored into the equation. Accidents are generally not treated kindly in the insurance industry, especially if it was your fault. One small mistake in a vehicle and you may face years of inflated insurance premiums. It may not be fair in your opinion, but the car insurance company views accidents and those involved in them as "high risk."

When a driver is involved in an accident and it's his or her fault, points are deducted from the license. The amount of points various from the seriousness of the accident or offense, so if you lose too many points, your license is revoked. Drivers are also required to notify the car insurance provider of any accidents or if the car is stolen. This helps keep the insurance company up to date with your policy.

As you are well aware of, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are not only detrimental to your own well being, but also a danger to the road. Insurance providers do not take kindly to drivers arrested for drunk driving. You're license is usually removed for quite some time, and you pay for it for years down the line with a high premium.

Thankfully, most drivers respect the laws and do not drink or drive. These drivers are rewarded when it's time to renew a comprehensive car insurance policy. Insurance companies provide benefits like the "no claims" bonus. Go a year without an accident or traffic offense and see a discount in your premium for the next year.

Getting into a car accident is a frightening moment. However, once is occurs and you find out everyone is safe, the question then becomes how am I going to pay for the damages? Some people will elect to have the insurance company cover the damages. Others will ignore insurance, because an accident claim will wipe out their "no claims" bonus.

Wouldn't you like to save money? Of course you would, who could turn that offer down? So stop driving with reckless abandon, shape up, and earn a cheaper premium as the years progress.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal