What are the Top Auto Insurance Claims in the US?

October 19, 2019

Auto claims are one of the top reasons insurance premiums increase. In fact, you may not even have a claim, but your premiums may increase due to claims others made. When a client requests a payout, it affects the insurance company’s bottom line. If an insurance company has a particularly expensive year, you could expect your premiums to increase.

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So what are the top auto insurance claims today? Keep reading to find out.

Fender Benders

Fender benders or minor crashes where no one is truly hurt, but some damage occurs is the number one claim in the United States. Typically, the damage isn’t excessive and the financial obligation is affordable. Even though it’s a small claim, fender benders can still increase your insurance premiums if you aren’t careful. This is especially true if you have multiple fender benders or minor accident claims in the course of a year. If the damage is less than your deductible or even just slightly more than it and you can afford it, you may wantto avoid filing the claim.

Comprehensive Issues

Windshields take a beating while driving. All it takes is one object in the road to hit your windshield and crack it. Since you obviously can’t drive with a cracked windshield, you need it repaired. You can avoid these issues by steering clear of trucks or driving slow in areas with loose gravel or other debris. If you do file a claim, though, it will be on your comprehensive coverage, not collision. The increase in premiums may be negligible and your deductible may even be different, so keep that in mind.

Weather Damage

Weather causes more damage than many people realize. Hail, wind, and excessive rain can all cause damage to your vehicle. Fallen branches from excessive winds, flooded streets from the rain, and damage from pounding hail can all leave your car in less than optimal shape. Weather damage is another claim that falls under your comprehensive insurance, so make sure you can afford that deductible for occurrences that you cannot control. You can protect your car by storing in a covered area whenever possible, especially during bad weather.

Single Vehicle Accidents

You often think of car accidents as two cars colliding, but more often than not, single-car crashes occur. A few of the most common reasons for single-car accidents include road rage, drowsy driving, and DUIs. The best way to avoid any of these issues is to assess your emotions and physical state of being while driving. If you feel tired, don’t drive. If you get angry, pull over and let yourself calm down. If you drink, don’t drive.

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Vandalsm and Theft

Vandalism and theft are both common occurrences in the United States, unfortunately. People break into cars, bash in windows, and vandalize the interior of cars. Some cars get vandalized and stolen or just stolen. Both occurrences fall under your comprehensive insurance. As you can see, comprehensive insurance plays an important role in your insurance coverage.

You can minimize the risk of vandalism and theft by always locking your doors and storing your car somewhere safe. If you don’t have a garage, park in an area with adequate lighting and install a security camera if you can. This will deter thieves and vandals, minimizing the risk of damage occurring to your car.

Intersection Accidents

Too many drivers get comfortable at intersections and don’t drive defensively. This could be why a large number of accidents happen in an intersection. Never rely on the fact that someone is going to obey a red light. Instead, drive defensively. Don’t blow through yellow lights and don’t speed through the light the moment that it turns green. Take your time and drive defensively in order to avoid intersection accidents.

These are the top auto insurance claims in the United States. They reinforce the reasons that you need auto insurance. You never know when someone or something will damage your car. You also never know if you will be the cause of an accident. Protecting yourself with adequate insurance protects you financially during those times when accidents occur.

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