The price you pay for your car insurance premiums depends on a variety of factors, some you can control and some you cannot. For example, while you can control the number of miles you drive per year, there's nothing you can do about your age.

Personal Characteristics

Your age, gender and marital status will have a significant affect on your insurance rates because certain categories, such as young, single males, are statistically higher risks.

Driving Record

If you have a history of tickets and accidents, you pose a higher risk to the car insurance company so your premiums will be higher.

Policy Limits

Policy limits are the maximum amount that the insurance company is liable for paying. The higher the insurance limits that you have, the higher your insurance premium will be because the insurance company could potentially have to pay more to cover your policy.

Deductible

The deductible is the amount of money the damage must exceed before the insurance policy kicks in. For example, if you have $1,100 worth of damage and a $500 deductible, the insurance company only has to pay $600. The higher the deductible you choose the higher your premiums will be.

Geography

Where you live affects your car insurance premiums because some regions are statistically more prone to accidents, thefts and damage. You will usually pay more if you live in a city than in a rural area.

Mileage

The more miles you drive per year the higher your rates will be because you are statistically more likely to get in an accident.

Source:

Bankrate: Slash Car Insurance Premiums: Dana Dratch

Car Insurance.com: Factors that Affect Your Car Insurance