There are many factors that go into your individual car insurance rate. Some are based on personal demographics while other factors are based on other people’s driving and criminal records. Car insurance rates vary from state to state, city to city, and person to person.

Here are a few factors that car insurers look at that could be affecting your rates:

- Crime rates in your city. If you live in a city with high crime rates, especially car theft or vandalism, the higher your premium probably is. Car insurance companies are more likely to charge you a higher price the more likely their customers’ cars are to be damaged and file a claim.

- Weather. If your area is prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods, the more at risk your car is for damage (like crime rates) the more you may pay.

- The make, model, and year of your car. Older cars have out-of-date alarm systems and are also less equipped with the latest safety features, which poses a risk for you and passengers. Cars with high-powered engines are also more likely to have high rates because they are at a higher risk to receive speeding tickets.

- Driving history. If you often receive traffic citations or have been at fault for a car accident, car insurers see you as high risk. They can look back years on your driving history to determine your premium. However, the cleaner your driving history, the less your are likely to pay.

With all of the additional factors that can affect your car insurance rate, it is important to save money anywhere possible. To learn about affordable auto insurance, contact the Chicago auto insurance agents of Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060.