Auto insurance premiums are frequently rising in the United States. Policyholders who’ve filed no recent claims may be perplexed by car insurance premium increases and wonder what’s behind the changes.
Several macro trends play into the way auto insurance premiums are set. Here are some of the general factors that have the most impact on how car insurance rates are calculated:
Miles logged are increasing
According to AAA, Americans are spending more time on the road. Driving more miles increases motorists’ likelihood of having an accident. There are many reasons why more drivers are on the road, including lower gas prices and a better economy, according to the Washington Post.
More policyholders are filing claims
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the percentage of policyholders filing property damage and collision claims continues to increase, and so do the amounts paid out by insurance companies for property damage liability, collision and bodily injury claims.
Safety and security factors
When it comes to comprehensive coverage, theft is a major factor and the data suggests that flashy vehicles are, predictably, more likely to be stolen. For example, the Cadillac Escalade has one of the highest theft loss averages of any vehicle on the road, and other vehicles with high comprehensive losses include the Dodge Challenger and the Infinity G37. One of the least-stolen vehicles is the Toyota Prius.
Sports cars tend to have higher losses, and many drivers buy them for the sole reason of driving them fast. Of midsize sports vehicles, the Ford Mustang has 24 percent more overall losses while the Nissan 350Z has 50 percent more overall losses.
Medical costs are mounting
Health insurance premiums and medical costs have been rising at a steady clip in the U.S. Those increases carry over into the costs auto insurance companies incur when drivers and passengers are injured in an auto accident.
Newer models cost more to repair
It’s more expensive to fix newer cars that are filled with more sophisticated equipment and technology. Those providing labor at the body shops need additional training, while the shops themselves need appropriate diagnostic equipment. These costs are passed on to consumers, including auto insurance carriers.
Of course, policyholders may experience rising premiums for individual-specific reasons as well. Here are some of those factors:
Driving accidents and traffic violations
A motorist’s driving record has an impact on premium costs. At-fault accidents and traffic violations with points awarded can affect your premium, though they won’t always cause your premium to go up.
Lifestyle changes
Moving to a home in another zip code where rates are different because of the area’s claims history will affect your premium. Buying a car will also likely cause a change in your rate. Premiums typically rise after a car purchase but occasionally they fall, depending on the purchased car’s insurance profile. A premium might also increase if you change the policy terms such as increasing the amount of coverage or decreasing your deductible.
Nationwide can save motorists money on auto insurance premiums, even when they’ve had accidents. Contact your Nationwide agent to make sure you have the best coverage for your situation.
