Car Insurance Rates on the Rise for 83% of U.S. Drivers

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Zebra, the nation's leading car insurance search engine, today released its 2019 State of Auto Insurance Report, which reveals that car insurance rates have risen for four out of five American drivers (83%) over the past year. In fact, rates across the U.S. are higher than they've ever been — up 23% since 2011 with an average annual cost of $1,470.

The Zebra's annual report examines more than 61 million auto insurance rates across every U.S. zip code to provide insight into the many factors insurance companies use to price insurance — and how that pricing is unique to every individual.

"Some people are paying $500 a year while others are paying $5,000. Why? It could be weather in your state, your driving habits, or even your gender, marital status, or credit score," says Alyssa Connolly, Director of Market Insights, The Zebra. "Car insurance is a major expense for most Americans, and drivers want to know how much their rates are changing  — especially as new technology comes into play."

Key findings reveal that the state of auto insurance in 2019 is:

Expensive — Car insurance rates are higher than ever, with some parts of the country paying upwards of $5,000 per year.

• Most expensive states:
• Michigan: $2,693
• Louisiana: $2,339
• Rhode Island: $2,110
• Most expensive cities:
• Detroit, MI: $5,464
• New Orleans, LA: $3,686
• Hialeah, FL: $2,997

Erratic — Rates vary dramatically, with massive increases (and some decreases) over time, and vast disparity even within a single state.

• In Colorado, car insurance costs are up 80% since 2011, but they're down 20% in Oklahoma in the same time frame.
• Rate changes from year to year have been as high as 45% in some states.
• Even within a state, rates can vary from one zip code to another by as much as 265%.

Evolving — In 2019, technology is changing both how people drive and how car insurance companies operate.

• Insurance companies are using telematics (apps or plug-in devices to monitor a driver's behavior), which has the potential to lower costs for safe drivers and provide extensive data about driving trends.
• Distracted drivers are starting to pay the price for their dangerous behaviors with an average insurance rate penalty of 20%.
• Although new technology is making cars safer, it's also making them more expensive to repair or replace, so drivers likely won't see any car insurance savings for these new car features.
• Car insurance companies are already leveraging insights from consumers' online behavior for marketing and other purposes, and there is potential this data could inform how they price rates in the future.

See the 2019 State of Auto Insurance Report to explore how gender, credit score, age, popular cars, teen drivers, and all rating factors affect insurance costs by state.

About The Zebra
The Zebra is the nation's leading auto insurance search engine. With its dynamic, real-time quote comparison tool, drivers can identify insurance companies with the coverage, service level, and pricing to suit their unique needs. The Zebra compares more than 200 car insurance companies and provides agent support and educational resources to ensure drivers are equipped to make the most informed decisions about their car insurance. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, The Zebra has sought to bring transparency and simplicity to insurance shopping since 2012 — it's "insurance in black and white."

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SOURCE The Zebra