One of the most critical factors affecting your auto insurance premium is your perceived level of risk. Auto insurance companies assess your risk factor using a simple formula, and their results can significantly affect your auto insurance premium.

Auto insurance companies use these four primary factors in determining a driver's risk level.

Risk Factor #1: Driving Record

Maintaining a clean driving record gives car insurance companies confidence in your ability to drive safely and remain accident-free. But if your record is marked with traffic tickets and accidents, you're likely to be viewed as a high-risk driver, and will be charged a higher premium.

Everyone knows that being involved in an accident can raise your auto insurance rates. But even if you're involved in an accident that isn't your fault, your auto insurance rates may increase. A number of auto insurers see a pattern of not-at-fault accidents as indicative of reckless driving habits, thereby making you a riskier driver to insure.

Risk Factor #2: Personal Details

When it comes to auto insurance, personal details like gender and location matter. Men generally drive more aggressively and are involved in more serious auto accidents than women, and are charged higher rates (especially young men). Drivers who live in urban areas generally come in contact with more vehicles than those who live in rural areas, making them more likely to be involved in a fender-bender.

Risk Factor #3: Credit Score

Even if you have a spotless driving record, you may not be offered the lowest rates if your credit score is less than perfect. Car insurers see credit scores as a solid predictor of how well a person manages his or her financial affairs, and associate poor credit scores with high insurance risk.

Risk Factor #4: Continuous Coverage?

If you've failed to keep continuous auto insurance coverage in the past few years, you're probably paying more for auto insurance as a result. Companies assume drivers who have let their policy lapse have been driving uninsured or have had their policy terminated by the previous insurer, and raise rates accordingly. Make sure to keep your coverage continuous if you want the most affordable rate.

If you're considered a high-risk driver, shop around for affordable auto insurance with free quotes from LowPolicy.com.