What drivers are doing about rising car insurance costs

If you’ve noticed your car insurance bill creeping up lately, you’re not alone. Across the United States, millions of drivers are facing steep increases in their auto insurance premiums. According to data from major insurers and consumer analysts, the average cost of car insurance has jumped by double digits over the past two years — in some states, premiums have surged more than 25% since 2022.

Rising car insurance costs are hitting everyone — from urban commuters to suburban families to rural drivers. But rather than simply accepting higher prices, many motorists are getting creative, resourceful, and proactive in finding ways to fight back.

This blog dives deep into why car insurance costs are rising, how drivers are responding, and smart strategies you can use to keep your premiums manageable in 2025 and beyond.

Why Car Insurance Costs Are Rising

Before we explore what drivers are doing about it, it’s important to understand what’s behind the surge in premiums. Several factors have combined to create a perfect storm for rising car insurance costs.

1. Inflation and Higher Repair Costs

Inflation hasn’t just affected groceries and housing — it’s also driven up the cost of vehicle parts, paint, and labor. The average repair bill for a damaged vehicle has increased by more than 40% since 2019, according to industry data.

Today’s cars are packed with advanced electronics, sensors, and safety systems, which make repairs more complex and expensive. Even a minor fender bender can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Insurers are footing higher bills, and those costs are being passed on to drivers.

2. More Accidents and Riskier Roads

During and after the pandemic, traffic patterns changed dramatically. With emptier roads during lockdowns, many drivers developed faster, riskier driving habits. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that traffic fatalities increased by more than 10% between 2020 and 2022, even though overall miles driven fell for part of that time.

Now, as traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels, those aggressive habits haven’t entirely gone away — resulting in more severe and costly accidents.

3. Climate and Catastrophe Claims

Severe weather events — floods, hailstorms, hurricanes, and wildfires — are taking a toll on vehicles across the country. When thousands of cars are damaged or destroyed in a single storm, insurers face massive claim payouts. Areas hit repeatedly by climate events often see their auto insurance rates rise the fastest.

4. Higher Medical and Legal Costs

When accidents occur, medical expenses and legal settlements are often higher than they used to be. Rising healthcare costs and larger jury awards for injury claims have both contributed to the increase.

5. Lower Investment Returns for Insurers

Insurance companies don’t just make money from premiums — they also invest those premiums in the stock and bond markets. When returns are lower (as they were in recent years due to volatile interest rates and market downturns), insurers may raise premiums to maintain profitability.

What Drivers Are Doing to Manage Rising Car Insurance Costs

Faced with these pressures, drivers are getting smarter about how they shop, drive, and manage their coverage. Here are the top strategies motorists are using to lower their insurance costs in 2025.

1. Shopping Around — Every Year

The number-one strategy drivers are using to cut costs is shopping around.

Too many people simply renew their policy each year without checking other options. But car insurance pricing is highly competitive — and varies widely by company. Two insurers can quote prices that differ by hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars for the same driver profile.

According to consumer studies, those who compare rates at least once a year can save an average of $400–$700 annually.

Smart move:

• Use online comparison tools or independent agents who can gather multiple quotes.
  
  

• Don’t wait until renewal time — check prices 30–60 days in advance.
  
  

• Look beyond the “big names” — regional and smaller insurers sometimes offer better rates and customer service.
  
  

2. Bundling Policies for Bigger Discounts

Another popular move is bundling insurance policies — combining auto coverage with home, renters, or even life insurance from the same provider.

Insurers love loyal customers and often reward them with multi-policy discounts of 10% to 25%. That can easily offset part of a recent rate increase.

Example:
If you pay $1,800 per year for car insurance and $1,200 for home insurance, bundling could save $300–$500 per year.

3. Increasing Deductibles

A deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Drivers are increasingly raising their deductibles from $500 to $1,000 or more to lower monthly premiums.

While this strategy does mean you’ll pay more if you file a claim, it can reduce your annual cost by 10–15% or more.

Tip:
Only raise your deductible if you have an emergency fund that can cover it in case of an accident.

4. Dropping Unnecessary Coverage on Older Cars

Drivers with older or lower-value vehicles are reassessing whether they need comprehensive and collision coverage.

If your car is worth less than about 10 times your annual premium, paying for full coverage may not make financial sense. In that case, switching to liability-only coverage (which covers damage you cause to others) can dramatically cut your bill.

Example:
A driver with a 12-year-old car worth $5,000 might be paying $1,500 a year for full coverage — but if they drop to liability-only, that cost could fall to $600–$700.

5. Improving Driving Habits and Earning Safe-Driver Discounts

Many insurers now offer usage-based or telematics programs, which use smartphone apps or plug-in devices to monitor driving behavior — such as braking, acceleration, and speed.

Safe drivers who avoid hard braking and excessive speeding can earn discounts of up to 30% on their premiums.

These programs are especially popular among younger drivers and those working from home who drive less often.

Pro tip: Even if you don’t join a telematics program, maintaining a clean driving record — no tickets, no at-fault accidents — is one of the best long-term strategies to keep rates low.

6. Focusing on Credit Scores

In many states, insurers use your credit score as one factor in determining premiums. Studies show that drivers with higher credit scores tend to file fewer claims — so they’re rewarded with lower rates.

Drivers facing rising costs are focusing on improving their credit by paying bills on time, lowering credit card balances, and checking for errors on their reports.

Even moving from “fair” to “good” credit can save several hundred dollars per year.

7. Taking Advantage of Lesser-Known Discounts

Most drivers know about good-driver and multi-policy discounts, but there are many more that often go unclaimed. Drivers trying to fight rising rates are exploring every possible discount category.

These can include:

• Low-mileage discounts (for those who drive under a certain threshold per year)
  
  

• Good student discounts (for young drivers with strong academic records)
  
  

• Defensive driving course discounts
  
  

• Occupational discounts (for teachers, military members, or first responders)
  
  

• Loyalty or early renewal discounts
  
  

It’s worth asking your insurer directly, “Am I getting all the discounts I qualify for?”

8. Switching to Pay-Per-Mile or Usage-Based Insurance

A growing number of drivers are switching to pay-per-mile insurance, where you pay a base rate plus a few cents for every mile you drive.

For those who work from home, are retired, or simply drive less than 8,000 miles a year, this model can lead to huge savings.

Companies like Metromile, Milewise (Allstate), and Nationwide SmartMiles are leading the way with flexible usage-based plans.

9. Reviewing Coverage Regularly — Not Just at Renewal

Savvy drivers are now reviewing their insurance coverage more frequently. Life changes — moving, getting married, buying a new car, or improving credit — can all affect your rates.

By checking in every six months, you can ensure your coverage still matches your needs and take advantage of any new discounts or rate changes.

10. Joining Group or Affinity Programs

Some professional organizations, alumni associations, and even employers offer group insurance discounts.

For example, nurses, teachers, or members of certain credit unions may qualify for preferred group rates. Many drivers are now contacting HR departments or membership organizations to see what programs are available.

11. Using Technology to Track and Manage Insurance

Technology is helping drivers stay on top of rising costs. Mobile apps from major insurers now allow users to:

• Monitor driving behavior in real time
  
  

• Receive reminders about discounts and safe-driving milestones
  
  

• Compare renewal quotes instantly
  
  

• File claims faster (reducing administrative costs and improving service)
  
  

Smart, connected drivers are leveraging these digital tools to stay informed and make quick adjustments.

12. Considering Vehicle Choice and Driving Behavior

Believe it or not, what you drive can have a big impact on how much you pay.

Drivers facing higher costs are choosing vehicles that are cheaper to insure — typically sedans or SUVs with strong safety ratings and affordable parts. Luxury or high-performance vehicles are expensive to repair and tend to drive premiums up.

Similarly, how and where you drive matters. Reducing your annual mileage or avoiding high-risk driving times (like late nights on weekends) can help you qualify for lower rates over time.

How Drivers Are Combining Strategies

The smartest motorists aren’t relying on just one tactic — they’re combining multiple strategies to get the best results.

For example:

• A driver raises their deductible from $500 to $1,000.
  
  

• They switch insurers and save 15%.
  
  

• They enroll in a safe-driving program and earn another 10% off.
  
  

• They bundle auto and renters insurance for an additional 8% discount.
  
  

Combined, those moves can easily reduce a $2,000 annual policy to $1,400 or less — all without sacrificing essential coverage.

What to Avoid When Trying to Cut Costs

While saving money is important, drivers should be careful not to go too far. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t drop essential coverage: Skipping liability or underinsuring yourself can backfire after a serious accident.
  
  

• Don’t let your policy lapse: Gaps in coverage can make insurers view you as high-risk, raising future rates.
  
  

• Don’t hide information on your application: It may seem tempting to leave out details (like an address or past ticket), but if the insurer discovers it later, they can cancel your policy.
  
  

• Don’t ignore state minimums: Always make sure your coverage meets or exceeds local legal requirements.
  
  

The Bottom Line

Rising car insurance costs are frustrating — but they’re not unstoppable. Across the country, drivers are proving that with a little effort and attention, it’s possible to take control of your premiums and even come out ahead.

Here’s the short version:

By mixing and matching these techniques, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year — money that can go toward your next vacation, emergency fund, or car maintenance instead of insurance premiums.

The key takeaway? Be proactive, not passive.
Review your policy, ask questions, and treat your car insurance like any other major expense — one you can negotiate, optimize, and manage strategically.

Because when it comes to rising car insurance costs, the smartest drivers aren’t just paying more — they’re paying attention.