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Where the Accidents & Auto Insurance Claims Are…
Accidents and auto insurance claims are more prevalent in certain locations. Esurance offers the following tips and statistics on the areas drivers should be especially careful:
Roads
Research indicates that major highways are generally safer than side roads and byways. The National Safety Council www.nsc.org reports that 86% of traffic fatalities occur on side roads and byways; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov says that 14% of traffic fatalities occur on major highways.
Stoplights
Many drivers see yellow stoplights as an opportunity to continue through an intersection. Others find no fault with hurrying through a red light. Unfortunately, this line of thinking results in a significant number of auto accidents and fatalities every year.
Following the rule that green doesn't mean "go" until you've checked out the intersection, could prevent a collision or even save a life.
Auto Theft
The Insurance Information Institute (III) at www.iii.org reports that the states with the highest levels of auto theft include Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. These states should expect higher auto insurance rates to cover the high cost of claims in these areas.
Auto Fraud
Not only are Florida, Massachusetts, and New York the states with the most auto theft, these states also have the most problem with auto insurance fraud, reports the III.
New York and several other states operate under no-fault insurance laws for minor claims. No-fault insurance laws require auto insurance companies to pay minor claims to their insureds—regardless of fault. Auto insurance fraudsters in New York have been taking full advantage of this law. In 2003, auto insurance fraud cost New York drivers over $400 million!
Average Auto Insurance Costs
According to the III, drivers nationwide should pay on average $871 for auto insurance. Of course, your auto insurance rate is based on several factors such as your driving record, type of vehicle, and the state in which you live.
For more information and articles about saving money on auto insurance, safe driving, and how your auto insurance rate is determined, visit our Auto Insurance Learning Center.
Get a quote on affordable, reliable auto insurance from Esurance.
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