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What factors cause changes to your car insurance rates?

What can I do to decrease my car insurance rate? I pay $250 a month for insurance. I'm not sure why it's so high. What normally would increase a rate?

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Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Car insurance companies
all look at different things when determining a rate for an insured. This can include:
  • age
  • where you live
  • your credit score
  • your prior insurance history
  • your driving record
Some things that can typically trigger a
rate increase
are:
  • tickets
  • violations
  • accidents
Depending on the carrier, your rate can increase or generally be higher when you have these on your record. It often takes three to five years for tickets and accidents to stop impacting your rate.
If you’re looking to lower your current rate, you should compare rates with different carriers. By shopping around and using a smart comparison tool like
Jerry
, you can ensure you’re getting the best rate for your particular situation.”
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