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Years ago, some of these responses were useful. Today, few are because there are just too many variables that affect premiums. Auto premiums are no longer found in rate books that changed once a year or so, but are now hidden in computers containing very complex predictive modeling algorithms with dozens of possible competitive rating factors, changing constantly like airline fares. In New Jersey, base rates and credits or debits must still be approved by the NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance.
In addition to factors you can't easily change (age, gender, marital status, prior claims history, years of driving experience), there are some variables where you have more control over premiums paid. Where you live (rating territory, not zip code), driving violations, choice of vehicle and its age, credit score, occupation, usage (pleasure vs. commuting vs. business, miles to work, etc.), whether or not you maintained prior insurance, theft or safety devices installed the car, other drivers in the household, multiple cars in the household, good student credits.
Add to that a dizzying array of available coverage options (limits, deductibles, no-fault thresholds, etc.) makes it impossible to generalize. To do so is a unfortunate waste of effort and time that is better spent on shopping around. The good news is that there have never been more active carriers trying to compete for business. The bad news is that it forces you to do far more shopping on renewal than most people want to bother with.
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