“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin would probably have included insurance premium increases in his famous saying if such a thing had existed in the 18th century (it was invented in the 1900s). The cost of auto insurance has been rising across America recently, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to one report, premiums in three states could rise by more than 50 percent by the end of the year.

According to a new report from Insurify, comprehensive insurance premiums rose 15 percent nationwide in the first half of the year, even when driving practices remained flat. The forecast for the end of the year is an estimated 22 percent—unless you live in California, Minnesota and Missouri. In those states, premiums could rise 54, 61 and 55 percent, respectively.

The online insurance marketplace says the price increases are due to a number of factors, including severe storms, wildfires and car thefts. For example, the Midwest experienced a supercell last year that produced hailstone-sized hailstones, heavy rains and tornadoes. In Minnesota, hail reached the size of baseballs. And as for California, it tends to burn itself to the ground.

Aside from natural disasters, the Golden State, like many other states, has imposed a freeze on premium increases during the COVID pandemic. The delayed premium increase led to increases of as much as 45 percent last year. In addition, the state has increased its minimum auto insurance requirements; a change that takes effect in 2025. Faced with the increased cost burden, some insurers have set caps on new policies, decided against renewing existing policies, or plan to leave California altogether. While I don’t feel sorry for the insurance companies (who does?), the lack of competition is ultimately a price consumers pay.

CBS News reports that about 4 in 10 drivers do not make an insurance claim after an accident or incident. Of course, cost is the real reason. Those who did not make a claim said the damage was minimal, the excess was higher than the cost of repairs, or they did not want an increase in their premiums. Of those who did make a claim, about 25 percent regretted it.

For the report, Insurify examined more than 97 million plans and calculated the average cost for drivers between the ages of 20 and 70. Owners also had to have a clean driving record and an “average” or better credit score (the average credit score in America today is 705, according to Equifax). Comprehensive insurance premiums are for policies with bodily injury coverage between the state-mandated minimums and $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident; property damage coverage between $10,000 and $50,000; and comprehensive and collision coverage with $1,000 deductibles.

Was there any good news for anyone in the auto insurance report? Washington could see a 10 percent drop from last year, but was the only state forecast to see a price drop.