Car insurance rates are skyrocketing. Here are some reasons why

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Car insurance rates are going up.

A new report shows premiums have risen by more than $240 on average nationwide.

In fact, Action News consumer reporter Nydia Han spoke to a viewer in Wallingford, Delaware County whose rates nearly doubled from $164 a month to $300 a month.

If your car insurance went up without explanation, Kevin Benenhaley can relate.

“No traffic violations, no subpoenas, no accidents, no claims,” ​​he said.

Car insurance prices increased by 14.7 percent from January 2022 to January 2023.

“We’re seeing insurance rates going up across the country,” said Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute.

The institute says several factors are driving the rise.

• Accident frequency and severity
• The higher cost of replacement and labor to repair vehicles
• Other Claims That Involve Lawsuits
• Higher medical costs

So what is the advice of the insurance industry itself?

“Buy your coverage. There are dozens of companies looking to grow their business, and they want you as a customer,” he said.

“Car insurance owners can save $500 a year, even $1,000 a year or more,” said Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Consumers’ Checkbook.

Consumers’ Checkbook says to bundle your car insurance with your homeowner’s insurance, even if you get a discount at your current company, you should consider switching to a new company.

“That 20 percent discount, that 15 percent discount means nothing compared to the 40 percent discount you can get,” Brasler said. “They will give you a big discount if you sign up with them to move your business to this other company.”

Benenhaley says he switched insurance companies and almost halved his rate.

And according to a survey by Checkbook Magazine, paying more doesn’t necessarily mean better service. In fact, Checkbook says that the cheapest auto insurance companies often offer some of the best claims services.