BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Renee Skinner, a Bakersfield resident, said rising insurance costs forced her to change the way she commutes. <\/p>\n
She now relies primarily on Uber to get to work in an effort to reduce expenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt offset my costs a lot, going from $1,500 a year to $400,\u201d Skinner said. \u201cThat\u2019s the measure I took because insurance rates are going up exponentially.\u201d<\/p>\n
Janice Ruiz, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, said rate increases vary from driver to driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re seeing some people\u2019s insurance go up, some staying the same, and some actually getting decreases,\u201d Ruiz said.<\/p>\n
Insurance companies consider several factors when determining premiums, including driving history, years of driving experience, annual mileage and the make and model of a vehicle. <\/p>\n
Rising costs for repairs and replacement parts have also contributed to higher rates.<\/p>\n
Ruiz encouraged drivers to compare policies and speak with their insurance providers about available discounts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I suggest to people is that they shop and compare,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cTalk to your insurance agent and make sure you\u2019re getting all the discounts you\u2019re eligible for.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that bundling homeowners and auto insurance policies through the same provider may help lower costs.<\/p>\n
Ruiz said inflation has been a major factor behind recent increases in auto insurance rates nationwide.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cost of repairs and the cost of labor have all gone up in the U.S.,\u201d Ruiz said.<\/p>\n
Skinner said she is now concerned that rising gas prices could also increase Uber fares, making her commute even more difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the best for me for four years, but because of the cost of gas prices going up, I\u2019m having to look if I can carpool with some of my friends or look for alternative methods,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Experts recommend drivers regularly review their coverage, compare rates and ask insurers about discounts to help manage rising insurance costs.<\/p>\n
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