Normally, most people will face different rates for car insurance since each person has a unique set of needs and factors that will affect their premium. However, some people will notice that their premiums steadily go up.
You may be wondering why your car insurance goes up every 6 months. I did the research, and here is what I discovered!
Why Does My Car Insurance Go Up Every 6 Months?
1. Inflation
Firstly, the main reason why your car insurance gets more expensive every six months is inflation.
Normally, insurance companies will still need to make a profit from doing business, so they cannot always charge a consistent rate.
When inflation occurs, it can affect the cost of repairs, materials, etc., insurance companies will need to increase their premiums.
This is because inflation will make the cost of various items and services more expensive, in turn making your car insurance cost more.
2. Adding Drivers Or Cars
Usually, a very common reason why your car insurance went up is that you added drivers or cars to your car insurance plan.
For instance, if you have a child that can drive that you want to add to your insurance plan, your insurance rate would get more expensive.
Moreover, adding another car to your current insurance coverage plan will make the costs go up.
However, it will not only be limited to buying another car to have multiple cars in your insurance plan.
For instance, if you buy a new car with a different model and make to replace your old car, your insurance premium will be more expensive.
3. Age
If you happen to have become a senior within the past 6 months, your age is likely the reason why your car insurance costs more.
Usually, seniors have to pay more for insurance because they are more likely to get into accidents than adult drivers.
Typically, this is because seniors suffer from various conditions with age, such as reduced hearing and vision that make them more susceptible to car accidents.
Moreover, seniors are more likely to get injured in a car accident because they usually have more fragile bodies.
As such, insurance companies take this risk into account and charge seniors higher car insurance rates.
4. Your Driving Record
Normally, your insurance premium is based on how risky you would be as a driver, so insurance companies often check out your driving record.
If your driving record suddenly changed because you had a traffic violation, you would be deemed a riskier driver.
Even if there was no accident in your driving record, anything bad added to your driving record can make your car insurance cost more.
5. Claims
While an insurance company is in charge of helping you avoid financial losses by making a claim, filing claims can actually make your car insurance more expensive.
Normally, filing a small claim for a minor repair will not cause your car insurance to go up by much.
However, filing multiple comprehensive claims can make your insurer consider you a more costly client, thus increasing your car insurance premium.
Some examples of comprehensive claims includes repairs from contact with animals, flood damage, hail damage, broken windshield, etc.
6. Added Coverage
If you decided to add more policies to your car insurance plan, there is a good chance that is why your car insurance rate went up.
For instance, let us say that you only had liability and personal injury coverage on your initial car insurance plan.
If you decided to add comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to your insurance plan, your premium will be more expensive.
7. Convictions And Surcharges
Similar to having a few violations on your driving record, committing driving crimes that can get you convicted could also make your car insurance rate cost more.
Usually, a traffic violation or conviction can make your car insurance premium go up by an average of 35%.
Some examples of convictions that can affect your insurance rate are speeding and driving under the influence.
Typically, if there was an accident and you were at least 50% or more at fault, your insurer will likely increase your insurance rate.
Moreover, surcharges can occur as well if you make a lot of late payments when paying for the car insurance.
As such, your car insurance will likely remain high until you can prove to the car insurance company that you are a safe driver.
8. Credit Score
Normally, many insurers will rely on your credit score to determine how much they should charge you.
If your credit score gets lower due to late payments for loans, credit card bills, etc., your car insurance company can make your car insurance rate more expensive.
9. Lost Discounts
Occasionally, you can get a discount for your car insurance if you are a good driver or from your employer.
If you happen to do something to keep you from getting that discount, such as a traffic violation or quitting your job, your car insurance premium would cost more.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why your Progressive Insurance went up, why you need car insurance, and why Nissan Altima insurance is so high.
Conclusion
Usually, car insurance can go up every 6 months due to various reasons, and usually it is because you are deemed a riskier driver.
For instance, committing a traffic violation or becoming a senior can make you a high-risk driver, which prompts insurers to raise your car insurance premium.