Even so, “auto rates remain below pre-Covid 19 levels,” the company said. “Our approach is to make incremental adjustments based on driving behaviors to help minimize the impact to customers.”
Here are some questions and answers about auto insurance rates:
What if I am not sure that I received a credit in the spring?
Drivers who didn’t get a check should look at their billing statements to see if they received the relief their insurer promised, consumer advocates say. If it’s unclear, or if you can’t find your bill, contact your insurance agent or the company directly.
Can I ask for a review of my premium if I’m driving less because of the pandemic?
Yes. Several insurers said they encouraged drivers to contact them for a policy review if their driving habits had changed drastically. It’s helpful to have specific details about the change, such as the distance you would be driving to work if you were still working at the office rather than at home.
The average cost of car insurance is $1,548 a year, or $129 a month, according to the Zebra, an auto rate website. Rates vary, however, because of factors like your age and driving history and where you live.
How else can I reduce my auto insurance premium?
One option is to raise your deductible, the amount that you pay toward a claim paid by your insurer. (If you need $1,000 in repairs and your deductible is $500, your insurer will write you a check for $500.) A higher deductible will save you money on monthly premiums, but it means you’ll pay more out of pocket for repairs if you have an accident.
Some insurers are also offering “usage based” insurance, also known as telematics, in which you agree to have a device in your car to track your driving habits. This may be a less expensive option — but some people are skeptical because of privacy concerns.
You can also shop around to see if a competing insurer will offer you a better rate. Just be sure not to cancel your current policy before activating a new one, so you won’t have a gap in coverage, Mr. Heller advised.
