What factor does defensive driving techniques NOT influence?

Defensive driving techniques are specifically designed to help drivers avoid accidents by teaching them how to anticipate and respond to various situations safely. While these techniques contribute to lower accident rates and can indeed lead to a reduction in insurance premiums, they do not directly influence higher insurance rates.

Higher insurance rates are generally determined by a variety of factors, including a driver's overall driving history, the types of vehicles insured, and the coverage levels selected. While consistent usage of defensive driving can lead to fewer accidents and claims—thereby improving a driver’s record and potentially reducing premiums—these techniques themselves do not cause insurance rates to rise. Therefore, the statement regarding higher insurance rates is not affected by the use of defensive driving techniques.