Anyone who owns a car wants to avoid auto insurance increases by whatever means possible. While little can be done about incremental rate increases that insurance companies implement, you do have control over the most common reasons for car insurance rate increases. Below are some steps on how you can prevent your car insurance rates from going through the roof:

• You are obviously going to see your auto insurance rates increase if you are involved in any sort of accident. In general, any time the insurance company has to pay out money they are going to increase your rates. Therefore, it's important that you avoid accidents, even small accidents like fender benders, at all costs. Avoid eating and talking on the phone while driving to decrease your chances of being involved in an accident.
• If you are in a minor accident, it is frequently wise to pay out of pocket to have the damage repaired rather than report it to your insurance agency. For instance, if you have a $250 deductible on your collision insurance and you sustain $400 damage to your car, it's best to pay that additional $150 out of your own pocket rather than have the insurance company pay for it. The reason is that the insurance company may suddenly see you as a higher risk and raise your rates 10 to 15 percent, so in the long run it makes more sense to pay a small additional amount yourself rather than having the insurance company pay for it.
• If you get a speeding ticket or a DWI or DUI, you're going to see a significant rate increase. Just about everyone gets a speeding ticket at one time or another, so it's important to get your tickets 'fixed' (i.e., reduced to a non-moving violation) to avoid points on your license that will result in an insurance rate increase.

It's important to drive carefully at all times and avoid any activities while driving that might be dangerous for you and for others. Stop and rest if you are tired or if you need to get something to eat or drink. Doing so will decrease the chances of something unfortunate happening that would increase your insurance rates. A survey of 1,000 drivers discovered that more than 70 percent eat while driving and 83 percent drink beverages. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study cites these driver distractions as the top reasons for accidents.