Which factor primarily influences auto insurance premiums?

The driver's history and driving record are the primary factors that influence auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies assess risk based on the likelihood of a driver having an accident or making a claim. A driver's history includes aspects such as previous accidents, traffic violations, and claims history. A clean driving record typically results in lower premiums because it indicates that the driver is responsible and less likely to file claims in the future.

Other factors, like the type of vehicle owned, location of residence, and the driver's gender, can also influence premiums, but they do not weigh as heavily as a driver's history. For example, while certain vehicles may be associated with higher repair costs or theft rates, and living in high-crime areas may raise premiums, these factors are secondary to the overall assessment of a driver's behavior behind the wheel. Similarly, while gender may have an impact in some statistical models, it is not as direct a contributor to individual premium calculations compared to the implications of a driver's past conduct on the road.