9 Less-Known Ways You’re Quietly Raising Your Car Insurance Rates

Car insurance can feel like one of those fixed expenses you just have to live with, but what you do on a daily basis may play a bigger role than you realize. From lifestyle changes to simple oversights, your habits could be raising your premium without you noticing. Knowing what affects your rate gives you the power to make changes that help you save money on car insurance.

Here are nine common things that might be making your coverage more expensive.

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Age is one of the biggest factors insurers use to determine risk. Younger drivers, especially drivers under age 25, often pay more because they are statistically more likely to get into accidents.

However, rates can also climb again once you reach your 70s, as insurers may view older drivers as higher risk due to slower reflexes or health considerations. Knowing when age impacts your coverage helps you anticipate changes in your premium.

It is easy to stick with the same insurer year after year, but doing so can cost you. Companies may evaluate risk differently, and the same driver could be quoted hundreds of dollars less by a competitor.

Shopping around to compare quotes from at least three insurance companies to ensure you are not overpaying for identical coverage.

The more time you spend on the road, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident. Insurers factor in mileage when setting premiums, and high-mileage drivers tend to pay more.

If your commute has changed or you now work from home, updating your annual mileage could reduce your rate. Always make sure your insurer has accurate information about your driving habits.

A lapse in coverage could lead to higher rates once you reinstate your policy, depending on how long you went uninsured. Gaps could signal that you may not be consistent about maintaining financial responsibility, which could lead to higher rates when you reinstate a policy.

A lapse also leaves you unprotected if an accident occurs while you are uninsured. Keeping continuous coverage helps you avoid unnecessary premium hikes.

In most states, insurers use credit scores as a factor in setting premiums. A lower score may suggest you're more likely to file claims or miss payments, which insurers might see as higher risk.

Improving your credit can help lower your premiums over time. Staying on top of bills and reducing debt could ultimately reduce both loan and insurance costs.

It may be tempting to let insurance handle every fender bender, but frequent claims can cause your premium to climb. Insurers often reward drivers who avoid filing small claims with lower rates.

Paying out-of-pocket for minor repairs can sometimes save you more money in the long run. Before filing, consider whether the repair cost is lower than your potential rate increase.

Life changes such as moving, getting married or divorced, or adding teen drivers can all affect your premium. Insurers take into account where you live, how far you drive, and even your marital status to evaluate risk.

If your details are outdated, you might be paying for a higher-risk profile than what applies to you now. Keeping your information current ensures you are not overpaying based on old data.

Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, installing anti-theft devices, or paying for your policy in full rather than making monthly payments. If you are not actively checking for these opportunities, you could be paying more than necessary.

Some discounts may be applied automatically, but others may require you to ask your insurer directly. Reviewing your policy and requesting eligible savings can make a meaningful difference in your premium.

Beyond traditional factors like age or mileage, smartphone apps are quietly shaping how insurers view your risk.

A New York Times investigation found that apps such as Life360, GasBuddy, and MyRadar collect driving behavior data and share it with Arity, an analytics firm owned by Allstate. Arity then sells this information to auto insurers, which can use it to set premiums based on your driving habits. So, even if you never signed up for an insurance telematics program, your everyday apps might still be affecting what you pay.

Many of the factors that shape your car insurance rates come down to everyday habits or simple oversights. From filing unnecessary claims to skipping comparison shopping, small choices can make a big impact on what you pay each month.

Car insurance premiums have risen about 22% nationwide within the past year, as the cost of repairs has increased. Being proactive about your habits and making sure your details are up to date gives you a better chance of keeping costs manageable. The next time you review your policy, be sure to take a few minutes to compare auto insurance rates and see what you could save.