According to OnlineAutoInsurance.com, the various factors used to determine auto insurance rates are generally undisclosed to consumers. Two drivers having the same age, driving record and similar vehicles can pay significantly different rates due to multiple factors such as vehicle garaging zip code, marital status and commute distance to work.

If your home is located in city boundaries, your neighbor's rates can differ from yours if their home falls into a different zip code. This is because auto insurance companies use claims statistics to adjust rates.

For example, if out of a total amount of car accidents 75% of drivers were single, it would indicate that married drivers have a lower percentage of accidents; therefore, rates can be lowered for married drivers and raised for those who are single.

This same strategy is used for the many other factors used to determine rates; however, companies cannot raise rates any time they wish. A rate request is usually submitted to a controlling government agency such as the Department of Insurance which in turn reviews and accepts or denies their request.

  Factors used in determining rates include:

  -- Zip Code
  -- Prior Insurance (possible discount)
  -- Date of Birth and Driving Experience
  -- Marital Status
  -- Gender (male or female)
  -- Driving History (violations and accidents)
  -- Occupation (vehicle use)
  -- Commute Mileage (distance to or during work)
  -- Vehicle Type and Value (including 2 door, 4 door, pickup, van, etc.)
  -- Coverage Requested

  Other factors may provide discounts including:

  -- College Degree Discounts
  -- Vehicle Safety Discounts (low jack, homing device)
  -- Good Student Discounts
  -- Senior - Mature Driver Discounts
  -- Safety Course Certificate Discounts
  -- Multi-Car Discounts

So next time you obtain your auto insurance quotes you will have more of an understanding of how your rates were determined.