Change can be distressing for many people, more so if it has something to do with money, and especially so if it involves an increase in the bills we have to pay. If you're an automobile owner, one of the financial obligations that come with ownership is insurance. And you should know at least the basic factors that influence it, so you can avoid what may cause your car insurance premiums to increase.

Remember that the majority of the factors that affect your insurance rates are usually not in your insurer's hands - they're in yours. Convictions of traffic violations such as speeding can be enough to make your insurance company raise your premium. Getting a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction or being the at-fault driver in a major accident can be enough of a motive for your insurer to cancel your policy altogether. Even if you were not the at-fault driver in several road mishaps, the mere fact that you were involved in several would probably be enough for your insurer to classify you as a high-risk driver and raise your insurance premium accordingly.

The insurance industry places a lot of value on statistics and probabilities, and this can reflect on your insurance rates. For instance, if you are a female, you would likely be given a lower rate because women are safer drivers - statistically speaking - than men. If you have a college degree in a scientific field, statistics show that you would be a good risk for auto insurance companies because of your analytical mind.

You might not want to change occupations just to lower your auto insurance rates, but if you are planning to move to the city, expect an increase in your premiums because statistics show accidents happen more in metropolitan areas than in the country. And if your credit rating is less than desirable, make the necessary reparations; a bad credit history is sure to influence an insurer to raise your premiums.

Some of what may cause your car insurance premiums to increase can't be helped. But there are other areas where you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to slash costs and keep the insurance you need affordable.