Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

What Drives up the Cost of Car Insurance

Your rate can be determined by where and how you live and who you are


spinner image auto insurance policy
zimmytws / Getty Images

Think fuel is your top driving expense? Surprise: Based on current averages, you spend more on insurance in a year than on gas (assuming 10,000 annual miles). You can’t influence gas prices, but you sure can affect your insurance rate. Insurers use a mountain of data to determine a rate that reflects the risk you pose. Check with your insurer to see which of the below factors most shape your costs.

Liability insurance shouldn’t vary much based on your car; after all, it doesn’t matter if the damage you caused to someone else’s property is by a cheap or expensive car. But if you’re driving a vehicle that’s capable of doing lots of damage in an accident, you’ll pay a higher rate.

spinner image Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

spinner image man getting a ticket
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Driving Record. Not surprisingly, your history of claims, car accidents and moving violations plays a big part in determining your insurance rate. In most cases, rates return to normal after three to five years. A DUI is the exception; it can increase your rates for up to 10 years.

Local Weather. Your zip code affects your auto insurance rates in lots of ways.  

For example, snow, ice, storms and other local weather traits affect accident and claim rates in your region, notes Penny Gusner, consumer analyst at CarInsurance.com.

Theft and Vandalism Rates. Insurers also use data on the amount of car-related crime that occurs in your zip code to help establish the rate they charge you.

Professional Costs. Another zip code effect: “Medical and litigation costs are higher in certain regions,” says Janet Ruiz of the Insurance Information Institute. Car-repair costs can also vary by region.

Car Choice. It’s not just the car’s cost or value; rates are also tied to the level of claims and accidents for different models. Rates don’t drop equally as cars age: Some vehicles get stolen more often as they get older. And car parts can be harder to get over time. Note that car color won’t affect insurance rates. “It’s a myth that red cars cost more to insure,” Gusner says.

close up of a gold car parked near the water during sunset

AARP Auto Buying Program Powered by TrueCar

Shop for a car with safety features you want. Buyers can get a free AARP Smart Driver course.

close up of a gold car parked near the water during sunset

Please Select Make

Please Enter ZIP Code

Please Select Make

Please Enter ZIP Code

Age. Yes, people 16 to 24 have the most crashes. But “insurance companies have the crash statistics on their side” to allow higher premiums for older drivers, says Michelle Megna, managing editor of CarInsurance.com. Rates often spike once people hit 70. 

Gender. “Women tend to get into fewer car crashes than men,” Gusner says, especially as drivers reach their 60s. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also notes that men usually drive more miles than women and participate in riskier behaviors. Six states (Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina and Pennsylvania) don’t allow insurers to base rates on gender.

See more Insurance offers >

Occupation. Some states allow car insurance discounts for certain occupations like first responders, educators, medical professionals and those in the military.

Credit History. Statistics show that those with a low credit score tend to be more likely to make insurance claims, and so might pay higher rates (Massachusetts, California and Hawaii forbid insurers to use credit history in setting rates).

Education. Some states allow insurers to offer discounts to people who are more highly educated. “Statistics show those with higher levels of education are less likely to make claims,” Gusner says.

Marital Status. “Calculations show married folks are less active and safer than single drivers,” which could lead to lower rates, Megna says. Two states (Massachusetts and Hawaii) don’t allow insurers to base rates on marital status.

Annual Mileage. Forget the argument that driving more makes you a better driver. “Statistics show that those who drive lots of miles are more likely to have an accident,” says Ruiz.

When Not to File a Car Insurance Claim

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?