According to an article in MSN Autos, Los Angeles is the fourth highest city in the nation in terms of auto insurance premiums.  Only Detroit, Philadelphia, and Newark, NJ had higher average premiums.  The article does contain some good news, however..."The insurance industry projects a 1.5 percent increase in average annual insurance expenses nationwide, which is the smallest increase in five years, according to the Insurance Information Institute."

In addition to a policyholder's address, the article cites several factors that contribute to premium calculations.  Some of those factors are:

• Type of car insured
• Safety features on the car
• Amount of miles driven and type of miles
• Driving record
• Family claim record, including the number of crashes and their severity
• Age, gender and experience of the driver
• Credit-based insurance score

So what was the least expensive city in terms of auto insurance premiums?  Roanoke, Va, whose residents can expect to pay as little as 25% of the premiums that those in Los Angeles pay.