Where do car accidents usually happen? Which states have the highest incidences of car insurance fraud, auto theft, and vandalism? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you avoid potential collisions and pitfalls down the road — and, not to mention, satisfy your thirst for good trivia. Esurance has compiled the following list of facts and figures to help you be prepared.
On the road or close to home: where do most car accidents happen?
It may seem counterintuitive, but most car accidents happen close to home. Statistics and experts in the know agree: Car accidents usually happen within 5 miles of home. Most drivers get into a "comfort zone" as they near their front doors, letting down their guard and letting in distractions. The potential result of driver inattention? An accident and a car insurance claim. So, the next time you're leaving or coming home, be sure to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.
The deadliest states for drivers in America
California may have plenty of sunshine and the most national parks in the U.S., but it also leads the country in fatalities resulting from traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California had 3,434 traffic fatalities in 2008. Texas and Florida are 2 other deadly states in this category.
Where car thieves do most of their thieving
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that the top 3 metro areas with the highest auto theft rates in 2009 are: Laredo, Texas; Modesto, California; and Bakersfield, California. Drivers in these metro areas can expect higher auto insurance rates to cover the high cost of claims.
The shady states of fraud
According to the III, Florida and New York have the most problems with car insurance fraud.
New York and several other states operate under no-fault insurance laws for minor claims. No-fault insurance laws require car insurance companies to pay minor claims to their policyholders — regardless of fault. This law, while beneficial to all honest drivers, also proves to be advantageous to fraudsters as well. In New York alone, there were about 13,433 suspected no-fault fraudulent claims in 2009!
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