If you have car insurance, you have probably noticed that it has gone up compared to what you were paying last year. Even if you’ve had no tickets, accidents or claims, you could see higher premiums than you might expect. In most cases, the rate increase has nothing to do with you personally and is quite simply, a rate increase. Here’s a list of some of the top reasons for increases to auto insurance premiums this year:
Windshields now have built-in technology New advanced driver assistance systems make windshields more expensive to replace. Recalibrating a car’s computer system following a windshield replacement also adds to labour costs
Front and rear bumper sensors are pricey Even a tiny fender bender can require a bumper replacement. Many repairs also require a vehicle’s computer system to be recalibrated for the sensors to work. Those extra labour costs can really add up
Fancy autonomous features Newer vehicles can now come with a whole range of autonomous capabilities like adaptive cruise control and park assist. As you might expect, they also use complex computer systems and sensors that cost more to repair
At-fault collisions, traffic tickets or violations, and licence suspensions If you have an accident where you’re determined to be at fault, you’re considered a higher risk to insure (plus you could lose out on a claims-free discount if you had one). Traffic tickets or violations and having your licence suspended (if not for an administrative or medical reason) also increase your risk level, which often results in higher premiums
Fraudulent claims Fraudsters who stage accidents to make money are affecting the entire industry. In Ontario alone, the Insurance Bureau of Canada reports that car insurance fraud costs drivers an estimated $1.6 billion each year (or about $236 per driver). Rates increase to cover these costs
Distracted driving Distracted driving now outpaces drunk driving as a leading cause of accidents and deaths on the roads, and the damage that occurs in distracted driving-related accidents tends to be more severe. Premiums often increase to offset these costs
Medical services are more expensive It’s not just physical repairs that can cause premiums to rise. If you’re injured in an accident, you might need medical services like physiotherapy to recover. And like everything else today, these services cost more every year
Trends that show your area as a higher risk for collisions, theft, or other incidents Your premiums could increase if analytics show that your area has become more prone to risks (like extra traffic congestion or extreme weather events that lead to collisions, for example)
