A major shakeup in auto insurance means you’re paying more. It’s not because of anything you did, but because of other drivers and criminals.

“I love my neighbors [and] I love my neighborhood until the car got stolen,” explained Audrey Barbee.

Barbee shared photos with WRAL News of the steering column of her 2015 Kia Optima, ripped apart.

“I had no idea about this TikTok challenge until my vehicle was stolen,” Barbee said.

The dangerous challenge shows people how to hot wire certain Kia and Hyundai models. It’s become so prolific, State Farm and Progressive have stopped covering these cars in certain cities. Replacement parts are also back-ordered and Barbee has no idea when she’ll get her car back, but its already been longer than insurance will cover.

“Insurance only allows me 30 days for the rental vehicle, so I returned it yesterday,” Barbee explained.

“Everybody’s auto insurance is going up, and that is really a result of things that have happened over the last three years,” said Nick VinZant with Quote Wizard.

Car thefts are one part of that equation. There were more than 1 million nationwide in 2022. It’s the highest figure in 15 years.

There have been significant increases in stolen cars in the Triangle, too. Raleigh figures were up 12% from 2020-2021, Durham was up 16% and Cary was up a staggering 61%.

Another big part of rising rates, a surge in fatal crashes during the pandemic. Raleigh’s were up 20% from 2019 to 2021, that’s the sixth-highest increase in the nation.

“Younger drivers, going too fast, on less congested roadways,” VinZant explained when 5 On Your Side asked what was behind the increase in crashes.

VinZant says the increase in fatal crashes that started during the pandemic, has led to higher prices now.

“So, car insurance companies were refunding money at the same time that they were getting hit with a lot of additional claims, VinZant said. “Now, they have to balance those books.”

Rates are up 4% in North Carolina from 2021 to 2022, that’s less than the national average of 8%. However, if you cause a crash, get a speeding ticket or a DUI,”Your insurance rates are likely going to rise by 115% in North Carolina, which is the biggest increase that we found nationwide,” VinZant told us.

Statistics make up a big part of what you pay. The 1997 Honda Accord is the most stolen car in North Carolina, followed by Ford and Chevrolet pickup trucks. Those cars may cost more to insure and not all insurance companies charge the same price for the same car.

“We’ve found differences for exactly the same kind of coverage, exactly the same kind of driver, varying by as much as $2,000,” VinZant said. “That’s why it’s so important to really shop around.”

If you’re in the market for a new car, the more safety features and anti-theft measures; the more you can save on insurance.

Finally, slowing down a little bit helps too.

“If you have a clean driving record, you are going to pay a lot less than somebody with a dangerous driving incident,” VinZant explained.

Insurance companies want even higher premiums. In February, North Carolina’s Rate Bureau has asked for a 28% increase for car insurance rates. The North Carolina Department of Insurance will either approve or negotiate down that request before it takes effect Oct. 1, 2023.