Why Does Auto Insurance Keep Going Up? 
While you will see the occasional auto insurance rate decrease , rates generally go up for the same reasons so many things do . When parts and labor costs go up , auto insurance companies pass those increases along to the consumer . In addition , insurance companies costs go up due to increased frequency of claims either in terms of accidents or a run of bad weather , increased medical costs and increased judgments brought against negligent drivers . From 2003 to 2009 the national average vehicle liability award has increased from $ 223,000 to $ 388,000 . In the Midwest , 7 % of those awards exceeded $ 1,000,000 . A word of caution : shopping is an excellent idea . But if you are a do-it-yourself sort of person and do not turn to a professional for advice , be sure to not short-change yourself on coverage to save money . Better to have the insurance company pay those awards previously mentioned than to have to give up a portion of your income toward wage garnishment to pay them . 