Did you know that people aged 16 to 24 tend to pay more for vehicle insurance than people in other age groups?

Car insurance premiums are largely risk-based. Insurers calculate the likelihood that a person will file a claim and the potential costs associated with it. Although factors like age, geographical location, and the type of vehicles driven have a role to play in determining premiums, driving behavior is one of the most important factors that can affect your monthly premium.

Here are five driving practices that can result in paying higher car insurance premiums.

1. Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding tickets are among the most frequent traffic offenses that drivers commit. If you get too many of them, your monthly premium will go up.

Speeding, tailgating, lane weaving, or road rage can be referred to as aggressive driving. Insurance companies consider aggressive driving to be a high-risk driving habit. So, if you get into an accident and are found at least partially at fault due to speeding or aggressive driving, you’re bound to get penalized courtesy of higher monthly insurance rates.

Whether at fault or not, you should also contact a car accident lawyer at a personal injury law firm if injured in an accident. A lawyer will help build you the strongest case possible to get the maximum allowable amount of compensation.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has also become a growing concern for insurance companies with the increasing use of mobile phones. When people engage in activities like texting, notification checks, navigation adjustments, or even eating while operating vehicles, they can lose focus.

Accidents from distracted driving can be expensive, ranging from damage to property to serious injury to even death. If you’re charged with distracted driving — whether or not it contributed to an accident — you’re likely to see your vehicle insurance go up. Remember that insurers are about assessing risk — and they’ll raise rates for their riskiest clients.

3. Frequent At-Fault Accidents or Claims

Filing numerous claims on the same insurance policy, particularly if you’re always the at-fault party, could indicate that you constitute a higher car accident risk. And that’ll cost you.

Even minor accidents may incur high costs over the long term. Many motorists do not believe that minor accidents will affect their insurance premiums. It’s important to understand that an accident history is something that the insurer will carefully track. At the same time, paying out-of-pocket for some minor accidents may help you obtain lower premiums.

4. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated or Engaging in Serious Offenses

While the risks of drinking and driving are well known, millions of Americans do so anyway every year. Drinking and driving, as well as operating a car after using intoxicating drugs, is a no-no.

A DUI or a serious offense may result in a substantial increase in insurance premiums. If convicted of such an offense, you might find it hard to secure car insurance coverage at all. And if you do get coverage, the expense might be cost-prohibitive.

5. Inconsistent Driving Patterns and Mileage Problems

The frequency and distances driven may also impact car insurance premiums, especially in circumstances where there are unforeseen changes in one’s driving patterns. Sudden spikes in annual mileage or using your car for business purposes may raise some alarms for your insurance company.

Higher mileage tends to be associated with a greater risk level since the more a vehicle is driven, the greater the chances of being involved in an accident. Not reporting any changes in vehicle usage, such as use in rideshare or delivery services, could result in a claim being denied in case of an accident.

There’s no doubt that premiums are dependent upon driving practices. Speeding, driving distractions, an excessive number of at-fault incidents, serious infractions, and erratic patterns are all driving habits that can result in a driver being assessed a higher monthly premium.

By adopting safer driving behaviors, you’re less likely to face premium rate increases down the line. Car insurance for young people is already high enough, given their higher risk profile for insurers.

So, there’s no need to adopt driving behaviors that potentially cost you more every month. Abiding by the rules of the road will help to keep your rates in check.