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USA Today
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
What states have the highest, lowest auto insurance rates?
What states have the highest, lowest auto insurance rates? Show Caption Hide Caption How to save money on car insurance This app can help save you money on car insurance. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY The average auto insurance rate in the U.S. is expected to go up by 7.5% in 2025, according to a new analysis by MarketWatch Guides. The hikes will add an average $182 to the average annual full-coverage premium nationwide raising it to $2,615 from $2,433. Drivers in several states face increases of $200 or more. With the average American worker making $68,000, auto insurance will consume nearly 3.9% of annual income and significantly more in states with lower median incomes, MarketWatch Guides said. MarketWatch Guides calculated average auto insurance rates using data from Quadrant Information Services for a 35-year-old single driver with a clean driving record and good credit who drives a 2023 Toyota Camry. Why are auto insurance premiums going up? The auto insurance industry faced headwinds a few years ago in 2022 and 2023, said Daniel Robinson, senior auto insurance research and writer at MarketWatch Guides. There was increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, he said. "These disasters led to higher-than-expected claims, straining insurers' bottom lines," Robinson told USA TODAY. Insurance premiums have been on a steady climb since dramatic pandemic-era disruptions spurred rate hikes, but have slowed to smaller increases, he said. A shortage of vehicle parts and skilled auto repair workers that emerged during the pandemic era when there were supply chain snarls still plays a role in increased repair costs today, Robinson said. Insurers unfortunately took the brunt of those repair costs, which required them to raise premiums to stay financially stable. "We've also seen prices of cars in general rise in recent years due to inflation and increased demand. This adds another compounding effect," he said. Tariffs, which have led to an increase in the cost of imported car parts, also make repairing cars more expensive and are passed on in higher insurance premiums, Robinson said. What states have the highest auto premiums? Drivers in Louisiana pay the most, with an average of $3,481 per year or $290 a month for a full-coverage policy. Louisiana also has one of the highest rates of highway fatalities, with 19.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The national average is 12.8 deaths per 100,000 residents. Vermont drivers have the lowest average premium at $1,624 per year on average or $135 a month. The state has a below-average rate of highway fatalities at 11.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to MarketWatch Guides. More money: Add auto insurance to the list of things increasing in price with Trump's tariffs Where is car insurance increasing the most? MarketWatch Guides' analysis found the most dramatic insurance premium price hike was in Washington, D.C., where premiums rose by 20% from $2,684 to $3,209. Maine and South Carolina also saw big increases of 10%. In South Carolina, a 10% raise in premiums is $221 more in costs per year, the second-highest dollar amount increase after Washington, D.C. ($525). Nevada had the biggest decreases in premiums. Nevada's average premium fell from $3,549 to $2,889. That's a 19% decrease and a $660 difference. Even though Louisiana is the most expensive state for auto premiums, it had the second-highest decrease in annual premiums in terms of dollar amounts and as a percentage. Premiums in Louisiana fell by 14% in 2025 or $576. Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Passing Down Your Old Car to Your Teen Could Be a Deadly Mistake
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. American teenagers are at significantly higher risk of dying in car crashes if they drive older vehicles. This is the conclusion of a study from Nationwide Children's Hospital which reveals that teens driving vehicles between 6–15 years old face a 19 percent greater risk of death in fatal crashes compared to those driving vehicles five-years-old and newer. For teens in vehicles older than 15 years, the risk disparity rises to 31 percent. Lead researcher Jingzhen Ginger Yang told Newsweek that parents and caregivers influence the vehicles their teens drive, which affects the driving safety of the teens and other road users. Teenage girl driver in glasses sitting behind wheel of car. Teenage girl driver in glasses sitting behind wheel of car. Valeriy_G "Families should be advised to prioritize safety features when choosing the first car for teens, ensuring it is newer and safer, given the increased involvement of teen drivers in motor vehicle crashes and motor vehicle crash-related fatalities," she said. The researchers analyzed data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a national crash database covering the years 2016 to 2021. They compared vehicles driven by teen drivers (ages 15–18) to those driven by middle-aged drivers (ages 31–55) involved in fatal crashes. The findings were stark—teens were more likely to drive older vehicles and those lacking essential driver assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring. "Parents commonly pass their old vehicles to their teens who are still learning basic driving skills," said paper co-author Fangda Zhang "While it is an exciting milestone for families with new drivers, this practice increases teens' vulnerability to vehicle malfunctions, making their driving less safe." The study highlights that each driver assistance technology present in a vehicle is associated with a six percent reduction in the risk of driver death during a fatal crash. Despite this, teens are less likely than middle-aged drivers to benefit from these life-saving features because they are often driving older, less equipped vehicles. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that teens should drive the safest vehicles available. "Parents can refer to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for a list of affordable, safe vehicles for teens," Dr Yang said. "If a newer vehicle is not an option, more frequent maintenance should be encouraged to improve the vehicle's safety." While the study did not identify the most effective technologies for teen drivers, Yang emphasized that newer vehicle technologies like crash avoidance, lane assistance, and teen-specific features can notably reduce crashes and injuries. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about stars? Let us know via science@ Reference Zhang, F., Rundus, C. R. M., Alshaikh, E., Peek-Asa, C., & Yang, J. (2025). Vehicle Age and Driver Assistance Technologies in Fatal Crashes Involving Teen and Middle-Aged Drivers. JAMA Network Open, 8(5).
New York Post
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- New York Post
Reckless Ohio driver causes multi-vehicle crash by coming to full stop on busy interstate after missing exit — then flees
A reckless driver caused a three-vehicle crash on a busy Ohio interstate when they came to a dead stop after missing an exit and tried merging over during rush hour traffic. The Ohio Department of Transportation posted a jaw-dropping clip that shows a heavy flow of traffic on Interstate 71 moments before the wreck around 5:24 p.m. near downtown Columbus on April 30, The Columbus Dispatch reported. In the clip, a red minivan is seen crawling into the frame in the middle lane of the busy three-lane highway as other vehicles zip around it. Advertisement The driver of the van appeared to have missed the exit heading towards Dayton and decided to take a risk, coming to a full stop in hopes of cutting across two lanes of traffic. As the minivan came to a standstill, two other minivans were forced to abruptly stop behind the reckless driver as vehicles in both adjacent lanes continued to speed past them. Advertisement However, a large passenger van plowed into the back of the minivan, propelling it forward into the other, causing a multi-vehicle accident. The driver of the red van, who caused the wreck, then seizes the opportunity to cross over into the left lane and carelessly merge into the exit, driving off. The reckless driver of the red minivan has not been identified after fleeing from the scene, and no life-threatening injuries were reported, according to the outlet. In the clip, a red minivan is seen crawling into the frame in the middle lane of the busy three-lane highway as other vehicles zip around it. ABC 6 via Ohio Department of Transportation Advertisement 'When you are driving along a major interstate and you miss your exit do you: A) keep driving and get off at the next one or B) come to a complete stop, cause a multi-car rear-end crash and then drive away,' The Ohio Department of Transportation prompted its followers in its post. 'HINT: The answer is NEVER B. Do not be this driver.' Ohio Department of Transportation Press Secretary Matt Bruning told Fox 8 that the driver did the 'worst thing you can do on a highway' if they missed their exit. A large passenger van collided with the rear of the minivan, propelling it forward into the other vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle accident. ABC 6 via Ohio Department of Transportation Advertisement 'What this driver did is extremely dangerous and the absolute worst thing you could do,' he said. According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 94% of motor vehicle accidents are estimated to be caused by driver error. A nationwide study released by the personal finance website ValuePenguin in April — used data from the NHTSA, Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and the Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) — found that reckless driving was responsible for 6.4% of motor vehicle deaths from 2018 to 2022, totaling more than 12,600 fatalities. In 2021, it led to more than 3,000 deaths, making up 7.1% of that year's motor vehicle deaths.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NC among worst states for reckless driving deaths, study shows
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina is ranked among the worst in the United States for reckless driving fatalities, a new study unveiled. According to a new study from the personal finance website ValuePenguin, the state had the fifth-highest rate of reckless driving deaths in the nation. This number is three times more than the national average and 115 times higher than in South Carolina, the report shows. Forbes report shows who the wealthiest person living in North Carolina is Researchers analyzed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, analyzing fatal crash data from 2018 through 2022, and compared fatalities in vehicle crashes. To identify incidents connected to reckless driving, those who conducted the study evaluated wrecks where drivers were recorded operating their vehicles in an erratic, reckless or negligent manner. The report utilized annual vehicle miles traveled data by state from the Federal Highway Administration for 2022. Fatalities were calculated per billion miles traveled. Nationwide, the study concluded that reckless driving was a factor in 6.4% of motor vehicle deaths from 2018 through 2022, or 12,654 fatalities in total. During this period, 2021 recorded the highest number of reckless driving fatalities with 3,075 deaths, or 7.1% of motor vehicle deaths that year. In North Carolina, 1,372 reckless driving deaths were reported in 2018-2022, with 11.5 fatalities per billion miles traveled, according to the study. Montana topped the rankings over the course of that same time at 22.3 deaths per billion miles traveled. Meanwhile, Colorado (19.5), West Virginia (15.3) and Alaska (15.3) followed, with North Carolina rounding out the top five. Click here to read the full report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
More than texting: Florida's new hands-free driving bill gets closer to law
A bill aimed at combating distracted driving on Florida roads is moving forward in the State Senate. Senate Bill 1318 would rename the 'Florida Ban on Texting While Driving' law to the 'Florida Hands-Free Driving Law.' It would also expand the prohibition to include 'using, while driving, a wireless communications device in a handheld manner except to activate, deactivate, initiate, or terminate a feature or function of the device, including a hands-free accessory.' The current bill only bans texting while driving - it does not prohibit you from having a phone in your hand. This bill will largely prohibit you from having your phone or any wireless device in your hand or touching any part of your body. It would also make it a primary offense. Florida Traffic Safety Board statistics show in 2024, there were 697,439 total crashes in the state, 14,003 serious injuries, and 3,080 fatalities. 2,289 of those serious injuries and 275 deaths were considered a direct result of distracted driving accidents. 'It's more than a hope. It's a knowledge that it will save lives,' said Demetrius Branca. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] In 2014, Branca lost his 19-year-old son Anthony to a distracted driver. He's positive this bill, if passed and signed into law, would make Florida roads safer. 'We've tried this in 30 other states, plus the District of Columbia, and in every single one as soon as this law is implemented, fatality rates on the roads go down drastically,' said Branca. Read: Florida Gov. praises Jacksonville immigration bill passage, Mayor said she will not rush its signing In 2018, Georgia became one of the first states in the Southeast to implement a hands-free driving law. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows the number of people killed in Georgia crashes involving a distracted driver the year the bill passed was 65. The following year, that number dropped to 43 deaths. Maurice Raines is the Deputy Director for the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). He says the number of distracted driver convictions also went up since the law passed. 'Before the law was passed we averaged about 4000 (convictions) and today we bring in over 57,000. So the numbers are going up because people are still trying to do it, but it has helped us. It reduced the number of fatal crashes in our state,' said Raines. The Florida bill has one more committee hearing before heading to the Senate floor for a vote. Read: 'It's never gonna end if we don't fight': 'Free Kill' repeal appears on track to pass after 35-year battle Read: Florida bill would remove work hour restrictions, create exemptions for minors depending on age Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
