ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – If you noticed your car insurance rate has spiked recently, you aren’t alone. Experts tell First Alert 4 inflation and claims filed across the state are part of the reason your rates to go up.

Nick Chabarria with AAA said rates going up is usually out of the drivers hands.

“Unfortunately there are a lot of factors outside of the individual drivers control,” Chabarria said.

Chabarria said outside factors include costs for auto repair. If claims cost more overall, that trickles down to your rates.

Another factor is where you live because places with more claims or higher crime will raise your rate.

Chabarria also said your age and gender could raise your rates. He says younger men often have higher rates.

“Auto insurance, home insurance, is one of the most highly regulated industries there are at a state level and even to a certain extent at the federal level. State law, state statute can have a big impact on what drivers pay on their auto insurance,” Chabarria said.

That’s where the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance comes in. Director Angela Nelson said COVID-19 also is still playing a role in rate increases, with the fact drivers weren’t driving as safely post-pandemic.

Nelson said rates are show to her department by agents and people look through them to make sure agents are complying with state law.

“Missouri law requires that rates are not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. Those are the three standards we look for. We don’t just rely on what the insurance companies are telling us. We actually go in and do financial audits of insurance companies,” Nelson said.

Nelson said when it comes to the average insurance rate, Missouri falls pretty middle of the road compared to other states.

Kathleen Boland said even with bundling her insurance and getting discounts, her car insurance rates continue to climb year after year.

“It’s the way the system is set up. It’s ridiculous. You have no choice. What do you do choose between insurance and making sure everything you have is safe or eating,” Boland said.

Boland says this year her rates have gone up an extra $40 a month.

“I’ve actually been shopping around for insurance and there’s nothing better,” Boland said.

As a retiree she said that puts a lot of pressure on her pocketbook.

“You have to give up something else and what do you give up. You have to pay your gas. You have to pay your electric. The only thing that is flexible is food and now food prices are soaring,” Boland said.

Boland said she wants to see more done but isn’t sure what there is to do.

“When’s it gonna stop,” Boland said.

Nelson said her department is working on ways to try lowering rates. Nelson said Missouri has a lot of litigation when it comes to car insurance. One way to counteract that, according to Nelson, is to call her office before calling an attorney because they can mediate between a person and an insurance company for free.

Another tip to try to lower rates is to shop around between competitive companies.

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