Odds are your auto insurance premium dropped in 2020. Thanks to stay-at-home orders, there were fewer vehicles on the road, which meant fewer accidents and fewer claims. In fact, some insurance companies, including USAA, even refunded a percentage of their members' premiums.

But as much as we all love seeing our insurance rates go down, our reaction is definitely the opposite when they go up. Especially when we're not sure why it happened.

There are many possible reasons for auto insurance rates to increase, and unfortunately, some of those reasons aren't in your control. But understanding the factors that influence insurance rates may help make it less frustrating when it does happen. Here are seven of the most common reasons your auto insurance may rise.

1. Claims in your city or state increased.

Comprehensive and collision insurance covers events like natural disasters, theft and vandalism. A major event in your city or town, such as a tornado, hailstorm or even civil unrest, can lead to an increase in auto insurance claims from drivers in your area.

It's important to note that the costs associated with claims are also increasing: Medical services are growing more expensive, and the advanced technology in newer vehicles costs more to repair.

Even if you don't make a claim, an increase in the number or cost of claims from other people can boost all auto insurance rates — including yours.

2. You moved to a new ZIP code.

Believe it or not, your insurance rate can change even if you only move a couple of blocks away.

Insurance rates consider your ZIP code. If you move to an area that's more densely populated and has a higher risk of theft, your rates will likely increase. If you relocate to the coast, your area might be more susceptible to hurricanes or earthquakes.

Fortunately, the reverse is also true. If you trade in your downtown loft for a more rural lifestyle, you'll likely see your premiums decrease.

3. You were in an accident.

Whether it was your fault or not, getting in an auto accident can come with significant costs, which is the main reason having auto insurance is so important in the first place.

At-fault accidents can almost guarantee that your rates will increase because you're considered a higher risk. And yes, one-car accidents are considered at-fault since there's no one else involved.

In addition, your insurance rates may rise even if the accident wasn't your fault, depending on the policies of your state and insurance provider. Multiple not-at-fault accidents may also deem you a high-risk driver and cause a rate increase.

In some cases, you may be able to avoid negatively impacting your insurance rate by paying out of pocket for minor damage rather than submitting a claim.

4. Your credit score dropped.

Some insurance companies use credit history as a factor that goes into an insurance score, which is used to determine your auto insurance rates. Poor credit history can have a significant impact on your insurance score because research shows that people with lower insurance scores have a higher likelihood of having a claim. If your credit score takes a hit, it can quickly become a double-whammy and drive up your auto insurance rate, too.

Fortunately, this is one of the factors you have a little more control over. Taking steps to improve your credit score, such as reducing your balances and paying bills on time, may also help decrease your premium.

5. You no longer qualify for a discount.

There are many reasons your provider may offer auto insurance discounts. But if you no longer meet the requirements, you'll lose the discount. Some examples include:

• If you received a safe driver discount but get in an accident or receive a moving violation.
• If you received a multi-vehicle discount but choose to remove coverage for one or more vehicles.
• If you received a discount for bundling auto and homeowners or renters insurance but remove your home or renters insurance.

Age and marital status can also impact your rate. As a general rule, middle-aged drivers typically have lower insurance rates than young and senior drivers, and married drivers often pay less than single drivers. Growing older or changing your marital status may influence that invisible "discount" — for better or worse.

6. Insurance fraud.

Unfortunately, some people make fraudulent or exaggerated claims to get money from an insurance company. It can be as big as fraudsters who fake injuries and vehicle damage or as seemingly small as contractors who inflate the cost of repairs.

Although individual claims may seem insignificant, the collective impact of fraud leads to higher insurance rates, increased taxes and inflated prices across the board. Protecting yourself from fraud can help keep insurance rates low.

7. Rate adjustments.

When an insurance company revises its rates, it's usually a result of the rising costs of doing business — which can occur due to things like an increase in claims, growing risk, inflation or service improvements.

Auto insurers are also required to keep a certain amount of money in reserve as a safeguard to pay for unexpected claims. If your provider needs to increase their reserve funds, they may choose to raise premiums.

Keep in mind that insurance premiums are strongly regulated by your state, and rate increases must go through a complex review and approval process.

Some states allow insurance companies to file and use new rates while they're under review. If the state doesn't ultimately approve the rate increase, customers who paid the higher rate during the review period will receive a refund.