Auto-insurance rates that have been on the rise for the last six years are expected to increase once again in 2005, but by the smallest margin yet-1.5 percent, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal that referenced the Insurance Information Institute.

The report indicated that the cost of an average policy will go up $13 (to $870), and that safer vehicles and a slow-down in car thefts and accidents are contributing to a slow-down in rate increases. The battle against insurance fraud is having an impact on premiums as are fewer claims being filed, though the claims that are being filed tend to be more costly by way of repairs and medical bills, the article reported.