What makes car insurance more expensive?

A variety of factors may make your car insurance more expensive, including your (1) age, (2) credit score, and (3) driving record. Compare quotes with hidden discounts to lower your rates.

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Laura Berry

Former Licensed Insurance Producer

Laura Berry has experience as a licensed producer selling life, health, and property insurance coverage for both Allstate and State Farm. She has dedicated many hours to helping her clients understand the insurance marketplace so they could find the best car, home, and life insurance products for their circumstances. While she currently helps businesses take advantage of the federal R&D tax...

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Laura Berry
Michael Leotta

Insurance Operations Specialist

Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...

Reviewed by
Michael Leotta

Updated May 2024

Here's what you need to know...

  • There are many factors that go into your car insurance premiums
  • Your age and marital status will make your car insurance rates higher or lower depending on the risk you represent
  • The vehicle you drive will impact your rates
  • Your driving history is one of the biggest factors making up your car insurance premium


There are quite a few reasons why car insurance is more expensive for some drivers that other. The type of car you drive, your age, and even where you live can make your car insurance more expensive.

Understanding these factors can save you money.

Car insurance companies have a formula they use to determine your car insurance rate. Each insurance company’s formula may be different, and they may vary by state based on different state laws as well.

For example, some states are allowed to consider your credit history but others are not.

Since the formulas are different and car insurance is usually competitive, you may be able to get lower car insurance by shopping around. By comparing several different quotes you can determine which policy is the best value.

Enter your zip code now and compare car insurance rates in your area!

What Makes Car Insurance More Expensive: Elements That Influence Rates

The very basics of your car insurance profile will consist of:

  • Your age
  • Your gender
  • Your marital status
  • Your residency

The younger you are, the more expensive your car insurance will be. This is usually the case up until age 25, at which time you can usually qualify for a rate reduction.

Gender is also taken into consideration. Females are considered to be more responsible and males are considered to be better drivers. Stereotypes may be wrong, but statistics are still factored into your car insurance rates!

Sometimes marital status is also considered. Being married can keep your rates lower because if you are married you are considered to have more responsibilities and therefore be more responsible.

Along the lines of responsibility, your credit score can also make your car insurance more expensive.

The lower your credit score is, the higher your car insurance rate will be. This is based on the concept that if you have poor credit you may not be responsible and so, therefore, you are considered to be a higher risk.

Where you live makes a difference because if you are located in a high crime neighborhood that makes car insurance more expensive. If you live near a police station or fire station it can help lower your rates.

Even the state in which you reside makes a difference on how expensive your car insurance is going to be.

Typical car insurance rates vary greatly from state to state, so if you live in a high car insurance rate state there is not much you can do without moving. However, there are ways to reduce your rates and get some relief.

The make and model of your car are also going to be large determining factors in your car insurance rates. Before you buy a car, it is a good idea to get a quote for the type of car you are considering and find out if the insurance is something you can even afford.

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What Makes Car Insurance More Expensive: Reducing Rates

No matter how expensive your car insurance is, there are ways to reduce the rates. In addition to the typical discounts, there are other things you can do to help lower your premium.

The typical discounts are:

  • Multi-policy discounts
  • Safe driving
  • Safety features
  • Security features installed on the car
  • Being claims free

Discounts vary by insurance company, so shopping around can help you save more money.

There are other ways to save money on insurance as well. If you can find garaged parking for your car you may be able to reduce your car insurance rates.

The distance you drive annually also affects your car insurance rate, so the less mileage you put on your car the lower your rates will be.

This is based on the concept that the less you are on the road the less chance there is of getting into an accident or needing to submit a claim.

What Makes Car Insurance More Expensive: Shop Around

Since car insurance is expensive, it is a good idea to shop around to find the best car insurance rates. Shopping online is one of the easiest ways to do this because you can submit one request and receive multiple quotes.

The key to finding the least expensive car insurance rates is in comparing quotes verbatim. Each quote should be for the same make and model car and based on the same driver profile statistics.

You also need to be sure that you are comparing the same amount of coverage, meaning the limits are the same, and that the deductibles are the same.

Any additional coverage should also be comparable.

There are many factors that make car insurance more expensive, but you can reduce your rates through different tactics.

Find the least expensive car insurance rates now by entering your zip code here!

Case Studies: Factors That Influence Car Insurance Rates

Case Study 1: Age as a Determining Factor

John, a 21-year-old college student, recently purchased car insurance for his new vehicle. Despite having a clean driving record and good credit score, he was surprised to find that his insurance rates were significantly higher compared to his older friends. Age impacts car insurance premiums, particularly for younger drivers. Factors contributing to higher rates explored in this study.

Case Study 2: The Impact of Credit Scores

Sarah, a 35-year-old professional with an excellent driving record, discovered that her car insurance rates were much higher than her colleagues with similar profiles. Upon investigation, she learned that her credit score played a significant role in determining her premiums. This case study delves into the relationship between credit scores and car insurance rates, highlighting the importance of maintaining good credit.

Case Study 3: Location and Its Effect on Insurance Rates

Mark and Lisa, a married couple, were shocked to find out that their car insurance rates were substantially higher after moving to a new neighborhood. Despite having no recent accidents or violations, their new location had higher crime rates, resulting in increased insurance costs. Geography affects car insurance rates via crime rates and proximity to emergency services.

Case Study 4: Vehicle Make and Model Impact

Emily, a first-time car buyer, fell in love with a sporty, high-end vehicle. However, she quickly realized that insuring her dream car would be more expensive than she anticipated. This case study explores how the make and model of a vehicle can significantly impact insurance rates, shedding light on the considerations individuals should keep in mind when choosing a car.

Case Study 5: Discounts and Strategies to Lower Rates

Mike, a middle-aged driver with a clean driving record, decided to explore ways to reduce his car insurance rates. By actively seeking out discounts, adjusting his coverage limits, and implementing strategies like reducing annual mileage, he was able to secure a more affordable premium. This case study highlights various methods individuals can employ to lower their car insurance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when comparing car insurance quotes?

When comparing car insurance quotes, ensure that the quotes are based on the same driver profile and the same make and model of car. The coverage limits, deductibles, and any additional coverage should also be comparable to make a fair comparison.

Can my driving record affect my car insurance rates?

Yes, your driving record is one of the major factors that influence your car insurance rates. If you have a history of accidents, speeding tickets, or other traffic violations, your rates may be higher.

Does the type of coverage I choose affect my car insurance rates?

Yes, the type of coverage you choose can impact your car insurance rates. Comprehensive and collision coverage, for example, are usually more expensive than just having liability coverage.

Can my occupation affect my car insurance rates?

Some insurance companies consider your occupation when determining rates. Certain professions may be associated with lower risk, resulting in lower insurance premiums.

Will adding a teen driver to my policy increase my car insurance rates?

Yes, adding a teen driver to your policy typically increases car insurance rates. Teenagers are considered high-risk drivers due to their lack of driving experience.

Does my annual mileage affect my car insurance rates?

Yes, the number of miles you drive annually can impact your car insurance rates. Generally, the more you drive, the higher your rates may be because there is a higher likelihood of accidents.

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