The cost of car insurance has gone up, and Arizona is among 40 states to see an increase in the past year.

Drivers in the Phoenix metro area pay around $1,400 annually for auto insurance, that's about $100 more than the statewide average, but $70 less than the national average.

In the Phoenix area, rates are almost three percent higher than last year, according to a study from The Zebra, a commercial insurance search engine and comparison website.

Experts from the site said the more expensive higher rates are due to ongoing population growth, which can cause worst traffic congestion and, in turn, more accidents.

Rates are also rising because newer technology is making vehicles more expensive to repair following collisions.