How to deal with rising car insurance prices (2023)

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Premiums have risen more than inflation as insurers deal with rising repair bills and higher car rental prices. But consumers have some options, experts say.

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ByAnn Carrns

If you've recently been hit with a more expensive car insurance bill, you're not alone.

Car insurance costs increased approx15 percentin March from a year earlier, significantly higher than the latest reading of headline inflation at5 percent. The average annual premium is approx$2.000, according to personal finance website Bankrate.

And car insurance rates are expected to continue to rise. This week, CEO of the insurance companyProgressivesaid in a shareholder letter that the company planned to be "aggressive in raising interest rates for the rest of the year."Allstatesaid it expected to pursue further increases in 2023 "to improve auto insurance profitability."

Higher costs for repairs, including for both auto parts and labor, along with higher costs for car rentals, as worker shortages lead to longer repair times, all contribute to more expensive claims and higher premiums, industry analysts say. "Everything related to repair is going up," said Stephen Crewdson, a senior director of insurance business intelligence at consumer research firm J.D. Power.

As the pandemic has subsided, more drivers have returned to the roads, whether for work or leisure, increasing the risk of accidents, said Robert Passmore, director of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, an industry group. Bad habits acquired during the pandemic, such as driving at higher speeds, have persisted, he added.

(Video) How to save on car insurance as rates continue to rise | FOX 5 DC

Doug Heller, director of insurance at the Consumer Federation of America, said many good drivers are penalized with rates based on factors that have little to do with their driving. In most states, you can pay higher premiums if you have bad to fair credit, even if you have a pristine driving record. Insurers use a variation of consumer credit scores — similar to those lenders use to determine a borrower's risk of repaying debt — as one of several factors to assess a driver's likelihood of filing an insurance claim.

A recent report fromConsumer Federation of Americaon insurance premiums in New York found that drivers with perfect driving records and excellent credit pay an average of $730 a year for basic insurance, while drivers with the same driving record but poor credit pay an average of nearly $2,100. The federation supports eliminating the use of credit scoring in insurance appraisals, saying it particularly hurts lower-income customers and people who live in minority neighborhoods. (At least three states—California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts—exclude the use of credit scoring in setting these premiums, and a few others limit its use.)

Insurers defend giving better rates to drivers with good credit, saying it makes sense because those customers are less likely to file insurance claims. "The vast majority of customers get a better price because we use credit scoring," Mr Passmore said.

Car insurance is hard to avoid because basic coverage is mandatory in most states. So what can you do to lower your bill? Chuck Bell, program director of advocacy at Consumer Reports, recommends seeking out three or four quotes from different insurance companies to see if they can offer lower rates. Many consumers stay with the same insurance company for decades, he said, but it's smart to check rates from time to time. “We think you should trade annually,” he said.

While many people "would rather get a root canal," he said, getting auto insurance quotes isn't difficult. He suggests calling insurance companies on the phone, but you can also get quotes directly on the insurance companies' websites. (Web sites that aggregate information can give you a general idea, he said. But for specific quotes, it's best to deal directly with insurance companies or independent agents who represent multiple companies.) Have your current policy on hand so you can easily compare coverage.

The higher premiums actually push drivers to shop around for lower prices, according tolatest findfrom J.D. Power. "They are actively looking for a better deal," Mr. Crewdson.

The proportion of households that purchased car insurance in the previous month averaged 13 percenti marts, the highest since mid-2021, according to J.D. Power, which based its findings on daily online surveys of up to 1,000 consumers. The average switching rate - households that switched insurers in the previous month - ticked over 4 per cent in March, compared with an average of 3.6 per cent for all of 2022 and 3.4 per cent for 2021.

If you're looking to buy a car, you can help keep insurance costs down from the start when you buy a car by focusing on models that are cheaper to insure, said Mr. Bell. Instead of a big pickup truck or S.U.V., consider crossover vehicles, he said, which tend to be cheaper to insure.

If your car is an older model with a lower value, you can reduce your premium by reducing collision coverage, which pays to repair or replace your car when it is damaged in a collision with another car or an object such as a fence, and comprehensive coverage, which covers theft of your car and damage from things like branches falling on it.

Insurance companies also offer usage-based insurance, which involves having a device in your car that monitors your mileage and driving habits. The insurance company then includes the data in your premium. If you are a safe driver and comfortable sharing data with your insurance company, or if you drive less, you may benefit. "It's a way to save money for some people," Mr Bell said.

Here are some questions and answers about how to lower your car insurance premiums:

Would it help improve my credit score?

Raising your credit score can help lower your premium. Pay your bills on time and avoid maxing out your credit cards - keep whatcredit bureauscalling "utilization" low - can help increase your score. You should also limit the number of new credit card accounts you open and loans you take out. You can check your credit report for accuracy for free by visitingwww.annualcreditreport.com.

Some insurance companies do not use credit scoring to set premiums -CURECar insurance, for example, says it doesn't - so it's worth asking when you're looking for cover.

(Video) Why your auto insurance rates are rising | FOX43 Finds Out

Can increasing my deductible lower my premium?

Yes. Choosing a higher deductible — the portion of the bill for a claim that you're responsible for before insurance pays — can lower your premium. Going from a $500 deductible to $1,000 can save about 10 percent on your premium, on average, Mr. Bell. If you can, put the savings on your premium to help pay the deductible should you file a claim.

Where can I find information about insurance companies in my state?

State insurance departments may have information to help you compare rates and service levels at different insurance companies.Texasfor example, has a detailed tool for getting quotes, andMassachusettsoffers a spreadsheet to help with comparisons. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offersa mapof state insurance departments and maintains acomplaint indexwhich consumers can use to see if their insurance company is above or below average.

(Video) Car insurance rate soaring in U.S.

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FAQs

How to deal with rising car insurance prices? ›

A recent analysis by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) showed that U.S. auto and homeowners insurance premiums lagged behind the inflation rate in 2020 and 2021, laying the groundwork for the premium increases which occurred last year and will continue into 2023.

Is there a way to lower car insurance? ›

Here are some ways to save on car insurance1
  1. Increase your deductible.
  2. Check for discounts you qualify for.
  3. Compare auto insurance quotes.
  4. Maintain a good driving record.
  5. Participate in a safe driving program.
  6. Take a defensive driving course.
  7. Explore payment options.
  8. Improve your credit score.

Why did my auto insurance go up in 2023? ›

A recent analysis by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) showed that U.S. auto and homeowners insurance premiums lagged behind the inflation rate in 2020 and 2021, laying the groundwork for the premium increases which occurred last year and will continue into 2023.

Why is my car insurance suddenly so high? ›

Auto accidents and traffic violations are common explanations for an insurance rate increasing, but there are other reasons why car insurance premiums go up including an address change, new vehicle, and claims in your zip code.

Why did my car insurance go up to 300 dollars? ›

An imperfect driving record, a history of claims, and poor credit will lead to increased car insurance rates.

What are 3 factors that lower your cost for car insurance? ›

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose. These factors may include things such as your age, anti-theft features in your car and your driving record.

Does credit score affect insurance rate? ›

A higher credit score decreases your car insurance rate, often significantly, with almost every insurance company and in most states. Getting a quote, however, does not affect your credit.

Why are Geico rates so high? ›

Geico's rates increase when drivers add more coverage, get into an accident, receive a speeding ticket, or file a claim. Certain life events, like adding a teenage driver to your policy, can also increase your rates. Plus, it's possible to lose discounts, which could increase your premium.

Is car insurance going up due to inflation? ›

Inflation drives higher insurance costs

Inflation is a primary culprit in escalating prices or premiums for auto coverage as costs rise for mechanics, other types of labor, repair parts and more. "Really, the numbers come down to inflation," Deventer said.

At what age do auto insurance premiums tend to drop Why? ›

Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. At Progressive, the average premium per driver tends to decrease significantly from 19-34 and then stabilize or decrease slightly from 34-75.

Why does Allstate keep raising rates? ›

There are many factors that are considered when increasing premiums. We review the policy coverage, prior claims, the type of claims you've made and how long you've been with Allstate.

Is it normal for car insurance to increase every year? ›

Annual increases are typical across the industry, but the way your risk factors are viewed by a particular company may vary. Get to understand your coverage and discounts to ensure you are getting the best price for the assurance you need.

Does Geico raise rates after 6 months? ›

GEICO may increase or decrease your insurance rate when your policy comes up for renewal. In some cases, that's every six months—but if you signed up for an annual plan, your renewal won't come until 12 months, at which point your rate may be adjusted depending on your driving record, location, and more.

Why has auto insurance doubled? ›

Pricier cars and more expensive repairs are just two reasons ValuePenguin cites for the possible higher rates. Additionally, workers resuming their daily commutes and an increase in storm-related claims due to climate change will also cause you to pay more for your insurance coverage should these predictions bear out.

Why am I paying more for insurance? ›

Some of the most common factors that influence how much you're paying for insurance are your deductible, the kind of car you drive, driving record, claim history, commute, credit score, history of paying for insurance, your location, age, gender, and add-ons to your policy.

What are the most costly claims for auto insurance? ›

Here are the 10 most common claims:
  • Wind and hail.
  • Fire.
  • Customer slip and falls.
  • Customer injury and damage.
  • Product liability.
  • Struck by an object.
  • Reputational harm.
  • Vehicle accident.
Jul 13, 2020

What are 4 ways to cut your costs for insurance? ›

Listed below are other things you can do to lower your insurance costs.
  • Shop around. ...
  • Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  • Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  • Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  • Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  • Maintain a good credit record. ...
  • Take advantage of low mileage discounts.

What age group pays the most for car insurance? ›

Teen and senior drivers typically pay the highest car insurance prices, while drivers in their 30s and 40s often pay the lowest rates. We built the table below using data supplied to us from Quadrant Information Services. Each profile combines data for both male and female drivers of each age group.

Should car insurance decrease every year? ›

Car Insurance Can Go Down If You're a Good Driver

Most driving infractions and at-fault accidents will fall off your insurance record after three years. If you've been a good driver for the last few years, you may notice your rate decreasing.

What is a good credit score for car insurance? ›

What, then, is a good credit score to get a car insurance policy with competitive prices? A score in the “good” range — between 670 and 739, according to the FICO scoring model — is generally considered to be the baseline for competitive pricing.

Do insurance companies run your credit for a quote? ›

It is true that insurance companies check your credit score when giving you a quote. However, what they're doing is called a 'soft pull' — a type of inquiry that won't affect your credit score. You'll be able to see these inquiries on your personal credit reports, but that's it.

Does Geico quote affect credit score? ›

First things first—your credit score won't be impacted.

Insurance-related inquiries are NOT counted against your credit score. If you obtain your credit report from one (or more) of the major bureaus, you will be able to see the inquiry, but it will never lower your score or impact your ability to obtain credit.

Is GEICO cheaper than Progressive? ›

Is Progressive Cheaper Than Geico? Both Geico and Progressive offer cheap car insurance to drivers across the country. Geico's rates are typically lower overall, but Progressive tends to offer better prices to high-risk drivers.

How do you negotiate with GEICO? ›

How to Negotiate Your GEICO Claim
  1. Make the First Offer. This piece of advice tends to contradict the belief that the party who makes the first offer frequently loses. ...
  2. Make an Aggressive but Not Outrageous First Offer. ...
  3. Know Your Bottom Number. ...
  4. Try to Mimic or Mirror the Claims Adjuster's Behavior. ...
  5. Give a Settlement Range.
Apr 5, 2021

Is GEICO actually cheap? ›

Geico has the cheapest liability-only insurance for most drivers in California. The company charges $31 per month on average for a minimum liability policy. That's 36% cheaper than the state average. The average cost of minimum coverage car insurance in California is $49 per month, or $587 per year.

How do insurance companies handle inflation? ›

During periods of high inflation, insurance companies face rising costs for claims payouts and increased operating costs. For insurers to offset these rising costs, they typically raise premiums, impacting consumers negatively.

Do insurance companies do well during inflation? ›

Insurance and inflation

If those costs increase, the price of insurance premiums will likely increase as well. Unfortunately, due to inflation these costs are increasing. Building materials for homes are more expensive, there's a chip shortage driving up the cost of cars, and there's also a labor shortage.

Is Liberty Mutual more expensive? ›

Liberty Mutual insurance costs are average in comparison to those of competitors. It can be more expensive for some drivers, but it may be one of the most affordable options for younger drivers due to the company's range of auto insurance discounts.

Is car insurance higher for males or females? ›

On average, young men pay much more for car insurance than young women. This is because car insurance providers find men to be riskier drivers than women, especially when they are younger. When they are older, women start to pay slightly higher rates.

How to negotiate with Allstate? ›

Tips for Your Allstate Negotiation Process
  1. Read your insurance policy. ...
  2. Calculate your damages before the negotiation. ...
  3. Determine the highest and lowest settlement amounts you will accept. ...
  4. Do not accept the first amount that the adjuster offers you.
Jan 20, 2019

Are rising rates good for insurance companies? ›

Implications of Rising Interest Rates for Insurers.

As noted above, the financial performance of life insurers generally improves with higher interest rates. As their existing bonds mature, they will be replaced by bonds with higher interest earnings.

Does Allstate have a high turnover rate? ›

Our goal is to improve the working experience of employees while reducing the costs associated with attrition. In 2022, Allstate US' total employee turnover was 30%, and voluntary turnover was 26%, including retirees.

Is it better to pay car insurance monthly or every 6 months? ›

In general, paying your car insurance premium annually rather than monthly is the cheapest option. Providers incur processing costs if you pay your premium in installments, and those costs get folded into your monthly payment. Most insurers offer a discount if you pay in full because it keeps their costs down.

Why is Geico only 6 months? ›

The shorter half-year terms allow car insurance companies to re-examine the cost of your coverage and raise it accordingly if you had a vehicle related injury or accident. Basically, they don't want to take the risk and cost of covering for an injury or accident with the possibility of being shortchanged.

Will Geico refund premiums? ›

Drivers can cancel a Geico policy by calling (800) 841-1587, and they will receive a full refund for any unused premiums. To cancel your Geico policy, you will need your policy number and the date you want your policy to end.

Why do newer cars have higher insurance? ›

Insurance for new cars is usually more expensive because they cost more to repair and have higher values than used cars. USAA, Nationwide and Geico offer some of the lowest rates for both new and used vehicles. Most lenders require full coverage on financed vehicles whether they're new or used.

Why is Tesla car insurance so high? ›

Tesla cars are expensive to insure because they are expensive to buy and repair. Teslas have especially high collision coverage costs due to their high repair and maintenance costs, which are more expensive than other luxury or electric vehicles. Teslas can only be repaired at Tesla-approved body repair shops.

Is it bad to have too much insurance? ›

Having adequate insurance coverage can be an effective means of protection in a disaster. However, it is possible to carry so much insurance that the premium expenses become detrimental to one's financial well-being. If you are overinsured, you have more insurance coverage than you need or can afford.

Which insurance company denies the most claims? ›

WHICH INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE CONSIDERED THE WORST?
  1. ALLSTATE. Allstate CEO Thomas Wilson admits that his priority is the shareholders—not the insured parties who have claims. ...
  2. PROGRESSIVE. ...
  3. UNITEDHEALTH. ...
  4. STATE FARM. ...
  5. ANTHEM. ...
  6. UNUM. ...
  7. FEDERAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. ...
  8. FARMERS.

What state has the highest insurance claims? ›

Home insurance losses by state
RankStateAverage homeowners insurance losses (2015–2019)
1California$10,733,309,200
2Florida$6,482,582,800
3Texas$5,865,190,400
4Illinois$2,431,011,000
47 more rows
Dec 22, 2022

How many claims before car insurance cancels? ›

Filing more than three claims in a three-year period can put you at risk of having your car insurance policy non-renewed or canceled.

What is the insurance forecast for 2023? ›

We forecast premiums to grow by 7.5% in 2023 and 5.5% in 2024. Slowing rate gains in commercial liability will likely be partly offset by acceleration in property and personal lines. Reserve adequacy poses a key downside risk if inflation causes losses to develop more than expected.

Why did my car insurance go up when nothing changed? ›

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on insurance risk. That means insurance rates do not increase suddenly without reason. A policy price increase can be due to factors you can or cannot control. For instance, you may have committed a traffic violation, or maybe you were involved in an auto accident.

What is the prediction for car prices in 2023? ›

Prices could drop up 5% for new vehicles and 10% to 20% for used vehicles in 2023, according to a report in November from J.P. Morgan. The basis for the prediction is that demand has stabilized and vehicle inventory is improving.

Will car prices stay high in 2023? ›

There is good news on the horizon in 2023, however. J.P. Morgan estimates that prices for both new and used vehicles are set to decrease as supply chain issues abate and inflation is poised to keep easing.

What will 2023 look like financially? ›

For 2023 as a whole, real GDP (that is, GDP adjusted to remove the effects of inflation) is projected to grow by just 0.1 percent. The growth of real GDP is projected to speed up thereafter, averaging 2.4 percent a year from 2024 to 2027, in response to declines in interest rates.

Will insurance rates go down in 2023? ›

Car insurance costs are on the rise in 2023. According to personal finance website ValuePenguin, insurance rates across the US are expected to rise by 8.4%, bringing the total average premium for full coverage to $1,780 per year.

What are the pain points of the insurance industry in 2023? ›

Research shows that inflation , digital transformation and climate change stands out as the top 3 of the biggest challenges of the Insurance industry in 2023. Inflation was named as the top challenge for 2023 by more than one-third of insurance sector insiders, according to a survey.

Are car prices ever going to go back down? ›

But they warn that prices won't be nearly as low as they were pre-pandemic. Prices skyrocketed during the pandemic, and remained high, due to supply-chain disruptions and a shortage of semiconductor chips, which power cars and more. But now, experts predict that changing conditions in the market will drive prices down.

Will car prices go down in a recession? ›

Do Car Prices Go Down In A Recession? Car prices typically go down when supply exceeds demand. However, unlike in past recessions, some automakers are making permanent changes to how they do business.

What is the best time of the year to buy a car? ›

In terms of the best time of the year, October, November and December are safe bets. Car dealerships have sales quotas, which typically break down into yearly, quarterly and monthly sales goals. All three goals begin to come together late in the year.

What is the most common car in America? ›

Most Popular Cars in America
  • Most Popular Cars in the USA in 2022. ...
  • Toyota Corolla. ...
  • Ford F-Series. ...
  • Volkswagen Golf. ...
  • Volkswagen Beetle. ...
  • Ford Escort. ...
  • Honda Civic. ...
  • Ford Model T.

Will the car market be better in 2024? ›

Given the rules of supply and demand, fewer cars for sale will likely mean prices stay elevated that much longer. Based on those assessments, it looks like new cars will be in short supply well into 2024, and the number of used cars on the market could lag behind demand at least a couple of years beyond that.

What makes car prices go down? ›

Increased inventory pushing down prices

But the leading reason for the drop in used car prices is the increased supply of new cars.

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