5 Factors That Could Raise Your Insurance Rates

If you’re a smoker or extreme skier, you might pay more for insurance. Here’s why.

 

Insurers consider a dizzying number of factors in determining premiums, so it's often challenging for consumers to understand why they're paying higher rates than their neighbors or co-workers. "All the consumer can do is ask questions when they buy insurance and get comparison apples-to-apples quotes and hope they're getting a fair shake," says Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a nonprofit insurance resource.

Here's a look at five factors you may not realize affect your insurance premiums.

Complete Article by Susan Johnston, US News