Why Do Auto Insurance Premiums Change?

Ever wonder how insurance companies determine your premium? Auto insurance premiums change for the same reasons that the price of other goods and services you buy change.

The prices of the goods and services that insurance companies buy affect the prices they charge. Costs affecting the ultimate price of auto insurance are:

• Medical costs to treat injuries
• Auto repair costs
• Costs to adjust claims
• Inflation
• Uninsured drivers (your policy pays when the other driver doesn't have an auto insurance policy if you purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage)

Although insurance companies can't directly control these costs, we regularly monitor them to see how they are affecting the costs of the claims we pay. As they change, auto premiums must be adjusted. These costs can affect your auto insurance premium whether or not you individually have had an accident or claim.

Changes you make to your auto insurance policy or coverage's may also change the premiums. Adding or removing a driver, buying a new car, moving to a new location or changing how you use your car may influence the cost of your auto insurance.

We can't tell you in this brief message why your individual premium may have changed - I am the best person to do that. Give me a call if you have any additional questions after reading this.

What is Farmers doing to control auto insurance costs?

• We have a network of reliable auto repair facilities for the highest quality repairs at competitive prices.
• We vigorously oppose frivolous lawsuits.
• We have an active Anti Fraud Unit.
• We offer a youth driving safety education program to all parents of young drivers.
• We actively support organizations devoted to auto safety, including funding anti-drunk driving efforts and those dedicated to improving youth driving safety.

What can you do to help control your auto insurance costs?

• Take advantage of the Farmers Friendly Review offered by your Farmers agent to review your auto insurance coverages and the rest of your insurance needs.
• See that your young driver, if you have one, completes the Y.E.S program (You are Essential to Safety). Better yet, complete it along with your teenager.
• Drive defensively and avoid putting you or your vehicle in harms way. Also, lock your car when you leave it.

I would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have. And, of course, I am always ready to provide you with a personal Farmers Friendly Review.