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Why did my car insurance premium go up?

Many things can affect the price of your car insurance.

We understand how frustrating it can be when your car insurance goes up. Adding a car or driver to your policy probably means an increase to pay for more coverage.

Unfortunately, some things are out of your control, like medical and vehicle costs or weather-related claims.

We monitor claims trends and use that data to predict future claims costs and the need for statewide increases. If we increase rates it may be because repair and replacement costs have gone up, and we have to make sure we can cover future claims.

Rate changes at renewal

When costs related to claims go up, we raise our rates to make sure we can cover you. These costs include:

  • Car parts and labor.
  • Medical costs like emergency room visits and prescriptions.
  • Legal fees for at-fault accidents.

Who does it affect?

A statewide increase is spread across drivers in your area. We also consider your driving record.

Members with accidents or tickets may pay higher rates than someone who has a clean driving record.

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Homeowners rates can go up for similar reasons.

Rising costs are also pushing up home insurance premiums.

Learn about homeowners rates

Other reasons your car insurance rate changed

Loss of discounts

The discounts you get for good driving may expire. And you may need to confirm eligibility for the Good Student Discount‍ ‍ each year. Take some time to review your discounts.

Age of drivers

Because teens have less experience driving and are a higher risk for accidents, they may have higher premiums. Mature drivers may also pay higher insurance rates because of an increase in the injuries they may suffer from accidents.

Tickets

Speeding tickets or other moving violations, like running a stop sign or getting a DUI, can cause a premium increase.

Accidents and other claims

Whether you’re at fault or not, an accident can cause your rates to go up. For example, you may see a change when you file claims for hitting an animal or damage caused by a storm.

Why did my car insurance increase during my current policy?

Your premium will only increase during your policy if you make changes.

Vehicle change

Adding a new car with safety features and built-in technology may cost more to repair. And some cars have a higher risk of being stolen.

Change in coverage

When you add to your auto coverage, or decrease your deductibles, your premium will likely go up.

Address change or adding a driver

If you move, your new location may have a higher risk of accidents or theft. Adding drivers can also increase your risk, which could raise your premium.

Missed or partial payment

If you miss a payment or only pay a portion of your premium, the next amount due may be higher than usual.

Discounts and savings can help lower your car insurance premium.

USAA SafePilot® Program‍ ‍

USAA SafePilot is a feature that rewards you for good driving.

Automatic Payments Discount‍ ‍

You could save up to 3% on your auto bill when you set up automatic payments.

Good Student Discount‍ ‍

Save on your car insurance when a young driver on your policy keeps their grades up.

Review my discounts

Other ways to lower the cost of your car insurance

Raise your deductible

If you can afford to pay more for a claim, consider increasing your deductible. See your coverage and deductibles.

Review your coverage

You may not need rental coverage on multiple vehicles or collision insurance on an older vehicle. View your policy.

Drive safe

Stay accident-free and you could get a discount for driving safe‍ ‍. You may also qualify for a discount if you complete an approved defensive driving course.‍ ‍ See discounts.

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Related footnotes:

  1. Discounts may not be available in all locations and are subject to change, other restrictions may apply.

  2. New or renewal policies underwritten in United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company and Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company may see savings off premium at renewal and receive initial participation discount. Participation discount expires at first renewal in which the earned driving discount is applied, not to exceed 365 days. Earned driving discount is offered at renewal and is based on driving behavior of all the rated drivers on the policy. Discount will vary by program selected and may vary by state. Discounts are subject to change over the life of the policy. 

    New or renewal policies underwritten by any other USAA affiliate not named in paragraph above on or after October 2026 may provide savings off renewal premium or may be subject to an increase at renewal. USAA SafePilot initial participation discount is applicable only to your initial enrollment for up to 365 days or until you have earned a personalized safe driving adjustment. Policies remaining consistently enrolled term to term may receive a discount at new business and renewal. When a member is unenrolled from the program after earning a qualified driving score, a prior performance factor may be applied and may result in an increase or decrease to subsequent policy terms for that member, regardless of enrollment. Terms, savings, increases and discounts may vary by location. Programs are subject to change. May not be available in all locations. 

  3. United Services Automobile Association discounts and savings for safe drivers may include, but are not limited to, the Premier Driver Level, Premier Driver Discount, Good Driver Discount (California) and Safe Driving program. Not available in all locations. Restrictions may apply.

  4. In some locations, discounts/credits may not be available if driver has any accidents or convictions in the past three years. Other restrictions may apply.

Related footnotes:

  1. Use of the term "member" or "membership" refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  2. Property and casualty insurance underwritten by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company, USAA Falcon Property & Casualty Insurance Company, based in San Antonio, Texas; USAA EU DAC (Europe), and USAA EU DAC UK Branch (United Kingdom) and is available only to persons eligible for property and casualty group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

    Coverages subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

    Learn about USAA's use of Artificial Intelligence.

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