Crime and inflation are why many people pay more

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – The cost of getting behind the wheel is increasing.

“The cost of things has gone up quite a bit,” said Mary Kistner, senior production representative and broker at Capital Insurance and Associates in Cape Girardeau.

Since the pandemic, the prices of almost everything we need seem to have increased, including car insurance prices.

“It ranges from costs of purchasing auto parts, to labor costs at auto body shops, and sometimes people have to wait a while because the availability of those parts is not what it should be,” Kistner said.

But it’s not just that.

“The Midwest has been hit hard by terrible storms over the last 5 or 6 years,” Kistner said.

That said, there are many attribution factors, including one you might not think about.

“I will say that crime is a huge factor, not so much here, but in other parts of the country,” Kistner said.

Things like car break-ins and theft may affect your insurance bill, whether or not you’re the victim of a crime.

“Yes, so whenever you see an increase in crime, especially vehicle theft or vehicle break-ins, vandalism and things like that, someone has to pay that cost,” said Officer Bobby Newton of the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

At least 85 vehicles have been reported stolen in Cape Girardeau this year.

There were at least six last month, according to the police department.

“A lot of times it’s little kids and they’re taking them on a joy ride, and a lot of times they end up getting damaged,” Newton said.

These factors are taken into account in auto rates, Mary Kistner said.

“Also how secure is the vehicle … and how difficult is it to get in,” Kistner said.

These are questions and considerations that insurance companies consider when deciding on rates.

Most of the time, these crimes are preventable.

“Most of the time it’s a crime of opportunity,” Newton said. “If they see the opportunity, they will take it.”

Officer Newton said many people leave their cars unlocked with the keys inside.

“If it has four wheels and it moves for them, they’ll get it,” Newton said.

Eliminating opportunities can benefit us all in the long run.

You may feel helpless about your bills, but there are some things you can do to save some money, as well as better protect your property.

Experts say if you pay for your insurance upfront annually, it can be a big savings if you can afford it.

Also, young drivers are not cheap, but there are still ways to save money.

“As long as they’re still in school… look at their grades from age 16 onwards, if their average is a B, the general rule is insurance companies will offer a good student discount,” Kistner said.

Mary Kistner, who has been in the insurance world since the 1970s, said that although many things have changed over the years, the one thing that never goes out of fashion is having a good relationship with your agent.

“Review your insurance costs with your agent, maybe not every year, but if you see a significant increase go talk to them and ask why and if there is anything you can do to reduce it,” Kistner said.

By group InsureMissouri is one of the three states with the biggest increases in insurance rates this year. California and Minnesota are reportedly the other two. Damage from severe storms and wildfires are said to be the main factors.

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