By Naomi Feld · Research Writer
Published
Answer in brief
Ask your insurer which of the six no-reason causes applies, then gather three quotes for identical coverage. If the best is 10–15% lower, switch without a gap. If not, the increase is the market and you should take the renewal.
"Clean record, same car, same address, renewal up 18%. Is this normal and should I switch?" — reader in Pennsylvania
It is within the range many drivers saw in recent years. Whether to switch depends on one thing: whether someone else will insure the same coverage for meaningfully less.
Call one: your insurer
Ask which of the six causes applies, whether any discount was lost, and whether a telematics programme or higher deductible would change the number.
Calls two to four: quotes
Same coverage, same inputs, three insurers. If the best is 10–15% below your renewal, switch with the new policy starting on your renewal date. If none is, your insurer is competitive and the increase is the market. The how to lower guide has the rest.
Guides referenced in this post
Guide
Why Car Insurance Went Up With No Claims or Tickets
The reasons a premium rises when your record is clean: base-rate increases, territory re-rating, lost discounts, age-band changes, credit shifts and vehicle symbol updates.
Guide
How to Lower Car Insurance That Is Too High
A prioritised list of actions that lower a high premium—comparing, coverage changes, deductibles, telematics, discounts, vehicle and mileage—with realistic savings.