No, you should never lie on a car insurance quote. It is a form of insurance fraud, which is a serious crime that can lead to your policy being canceled, claims being denied, significantly higher premiums in the future, and even criminal charges or fines. The short-term savings from a lower premium are vastly outweighed by the severe long-term consequences. Insurance companies have sophisticated methods to verify the information you provide, especially when you file a claim.
The most common lies people are tempted to tell involve the primary driver, annual mileage, and the vehicle's primary location. For instance, listing a teenage driver as an occasional user when they are actually the main driver of the car is fraudulent. Similarly, underestimating your annual mileage to get a "low-mileage" discount will be discovered if you need to make a claim and your odometer reading doesn't align with your stated usage.
Instead of misrepresenting facts, focus on legitimate ways to lower your premium. These include:
- Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurers.
- Asking about discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, paying in full, or having safety features like anti-theft systems.
- Opting for a higher deductible, which lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket cost in an accident.
- Maintaining a clean driving record.
The entire insurance system is built on the principle of utmost good faith (uberrimae fidei), meaning both you and the insurer are expected to deal honestly. Providing accurate information ensures you get the correct coverage and that your claims are paid without issue.
