FACTORS that can affect car insurance premiums:

Your insurance company's overall loss experience (due to a higher level of claims)
The increased value of newer model cars and the cost to repair
Increases in judgment amounts awarded in auto lawsuits
The original cost of the vehicle
The year of the vehicle
The symbol assigned to each vehicle*

* What is a symbol and why is it important?

Each vehicle is assigned a number ("symbol") between 3 and 30. The symbol level directly affects the cost of your comprehensive and collision premiums.

The higher symbols are assigned to the higher end cars such as Mercedes, Ferrari, etc. Logically, the lower symbols are assigned to the modest cars; but even the little Yugo has a symbol higher than one! Here is what affects symbol assignment:

The damageability of the vehicle
The sportiness of the vehicle
Parts availability of vehicle
Cost of the vehicle

EVALUATE your situation

Gather your insurance records and determine if circumstances have changed since you last reviewed your coverage.
Call your agent. What should you discuss? Here are some areas to consider:
If you have your home and auto insurance with the same company, are you getting a discount?
Does my coverage take full advantage of the discounts offered by my company?
I have more than one car; am I getting a credit?
How much premium can I save by changing deductibles?
Determine the dollar amount of any loss that you can comfortably handle as an out-of-pocket expense.
Do my cars really need full coverage insurance?
On an older car (over six years old) you may want to drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage and carry liability coverage only.
IMPORTANT: you must maintain these coverages if you're still paying off a loan on your car or truck.

Make sure you ask us these questions if applicable:

Did you know that my car has anti-lock brakes, airbag, theft alarm system?
Did you know that my child took Driver's Education?
Do you know that I took the 6 hr. Driver Safety Course?
Does the company have accurate information on how often and how far I drive?
Am I with a standard carrier or do I qualify for any preferred program?
Do I need to add coverage for my Conversion Van?
How is my cell phone, tapes and/or CDs insured if it is stolen from my car?