KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Folks across Tennessee have been dreading what they’ll see on their car insurance bills over the past couple of years, as their rates have skyrocketed, even for drivers with a clean record.

So what is the reasoning behind this trend?

Chase Gardner, a data insights manager with Insurify, a company that collects data on insurance rates across the U.S., said the rising cost of car insurance has been a perfect storm.

“First is inflation, which is hitting vehicle repairs and vehicle prices in general. Second is accident rates, which have gone up steeply since the COVID-19 pandemic. The third factor is severe weather events, especially those exacerbated by climate change have caused a lot more damage over the past few years,” said Gardner.

On average, Tennesseans are paying nearly $1,800 a year on their car insurance. While that cost is below the national average of $2,300 a year, it’s a number that has increased over the past four years by a couple of hundred dollars and has even the safest of drivers left scratching their heads.

“Insurance companies are seeing these, and they’re raising prices for all drivers, not just the predominant offenders of these crashes. It’s an unfortunate reality for all drivers,” said Gardner.

So what are the ways you can save money? Gardner said if you’re thinking about changing your provider, you should get quotes from several different providers to weigh your options.

Another way to save without changing your provider, Gardner suggests talking to your current insurance agent about a lower mileage rate if you work from home.

“It’s an interesting dynamic weighing driver risk differently and calculating it differently, so one company might give you a different rate for being you and you’re a safer bet,” said Gardner.

There does appear to be a silver lining when it comes to these prices, Gardner believes rates will plateau heading into 2025.