Insurance

19 U.S. Cities Where Auto Insurance Rates Are Skyrocketing

The cost of living crisis is leaving nothing untouched. Car insurance premiums are soaring across the U.S., reflecting a complex blend of factors from traffic congestion to theft rates. Here’s a closer look at the cities facing the steepest increases in auto insurance costs:

Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels is notorious for its dense traffic and high vehicle theft rates, with over 80,000 thefts reported in 2022, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. With a population exceeding 4 million, these factors combine to create a high-risk environment for insurers, leading to escalating insurance premiums that reflect the heightened risk.

Tampa, Florida

Tampa drivers contend with some of the highest insurance rates in Florida, exacerbated by the city’s vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding, as reported by a 2023 Tampa Bay Times article. These natural events frequently damage vehicles, leading to higher comprehensive insurance claims. The city’s growing population and tourist influx further contribute to congested roads and a higher incidence of accidents, pushing premiums upward.

Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland faces a unique set of challenges that drive up insurance costs, including severe winter weather conditions that lead to icy roads and increased accident rates. A 2023 report by WKYC indicates that the city’s economic conditions also play a role, with a higher-than-average rate of uninsured motorists compared to other U.S. cities. This combination of factors results in a higher risk profile for insurers, reflected in Cleveland’s auto insurance premiums.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is known for its harsh winters, which include heavy snowfall and icy conditions, leading to a higher frequency of auto accidents during the cold months. According to a 2023 report by the Star Tribune, the city also has a dense urban layout that contributes to frequent vehicle collisions. Additionally, Minnesota’s no-fault insurance law requires drivers to carry personal injury protection, which can increase the overall cost of insurance policies in Minneapolis.

Detroit, Michigan

Despite a decline in car thefts, Detroit contends with a significant number of uninsured drivers—over 20% as of 2023, according to the Detroit Free Press. This contributes to a higher frequency of hit-and-run incidents and financial losses for insured drivers, necessitating higher premiums to cover the increased risk.

Miami, Florida

Florida has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country, with drivers in Miami paying well above the state average, which exceeds $3,100 annually, as reported by NerdWallet in 2023. Factors such as Miami’s high accident rates and heavy tourist traffic exacerbate the situation, pushing premiums even higher.

New Orleans, Louisiana

This city’s insurance rates are impacted by Louisiana’s high uninsured motorist rate—over 13% according to a 2022 report from the Insurance Information Institute (III)—and frequent flooding, which leads to costly vehicle repairs and replacements, further inflating insurance costs.

Atlanta, Georgia

Ranked among the top 10 most congested cities in the U.S. by a 2023 WSB-TV report, Atlanta’s sprawling metropolitan area sees a high volume of traffic accidents, leading to increased insurance claims and, consequently, higher premiums for its drivers.

San Francisco, California

Similar to its southern counterpart, Los Angeles, San Francisco deals with a dense population, significant traffic congestion, and a high rate of car break-ins—over 24,000 in 2022, as per SFPD reports. These factors make for a risky insurance landscape, reflected in the city’s costly premiums.

New York City, New York

The complexities of insuring a car in NYC include rising car theft rates, with over 10,000 incidents in the first half of 2023 alone, according to The Zebra, as well as the additional costs associated with parking and garaging vehicles in the city. These elements combine to drive up the cost of auto insurance significantly.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s harsh winters contribute to a high rate of weather-related accidents, making it one of the top U.S. cities for winter driving mishaps, as per a 2023 WGN-TV report. This weather-induced risk results in more claims and higher insurance premiums for local drivers.

Houston, Texas

While Texas generally enjoys lower-than-average insurance rates, Houston is an exception due to its vast size and high rate of uninsured drivers—over 15%, according to a 2022 Texas Department of Insurance report. These factors contribute to a riskier driving environment and higher premiums.

Baltimore, Maryland

With auto thefts exceeding 18,000 in 2022 and an uninsured driver rate over 17%, as reported by the III in 2023, Baltimore’s drivers face significant risks that are reflected in their insurance premiums.

Seattle, Washington

Long commute times in Seattle—over 30 minutes on average, exceeding national figures as per a 2023 report from The Seattle Times—along with challenging weather conditions, contribute to frequent accidents and higher insurance costs.

Phoenix, Arizona

Despite its wide, driver-friendly roads, Phoenix’s extreme climate and increasing instances of distracted driving—highlighted in a 2023 report by the Arizona Department of Transportation—lead to frequent vehicle wear and tear and a rise in accidents, pushing up insurance rates.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia struggles with aggressive driving and a high number of uninsured motorists—over 14%, according to a 2022 PennDOT report. These issues lead to more accidents and higher financial burdens for insured drivers, reflected in rising insurance costs.

Denver, Colorado

As Denver’s population grows, so does its traffic congestion. Now ranking in the top 20 most congested cities in the U.S., according to a 2023 Denver Post report, the increased road traffic leads to more accidents and, consequently, higher auto insurance premiums.

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s unique geographic and climatic conditions contribute to its challenging driving environment. Frequent rain and fog lead to slick roads and reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents. As per a 2023 report by KOIN, Portland also has a high rate of bicyclists and pedestrians, which complicates traffic scenarios further and leads to more insurance claims, thereby increasing premiums for local drivers.

San Diego, California

Known for its beautiful weather and extensive freeway systems, San Diego still faces significant insurance rate challenges, primarily due to its proximity to the Mexican border. This geographical factor increases the risk of car thefts and uninsured drivers, a problem highlighted in a 2023 report by the San Diego Union-Tribune. Moreover, the high cost of living in the area adds to the overall expense of car ownership, including insurance premiums.

When is the Best Time to Switch Car Insurance Companies?

There’s never a good time to switch car insurance companies, and here’s why: you hope that your current company provides you with high-quality, comprehensive coverage well into the future?

Unfortunately, there may come a point when you need to make a change. While it sounds like a big deal, it’s easier today than ever before. You can shop for and compare quotes online, all with the goal of buying a policy in the near future.

Here are five times when you may need to switch car insurance companies:

  1. To Save Money

Most people are always on the lookout for ways to save money. For example, you may decide to switch banks if the fee schedule becomes out of hand.

The same holds true with car insurance companies. If your current provider is charging you more than the average for someone in your position (in your state), it may be time to move on.

If nothing else, you can request car insurance quotes online to better understand what else is available. This alone will tell you if a simple change can result in saving money.

  1. After a Bad Experience

You hope that your car insurance company will provide you with a good experience, time after time. But you also know that things can and probably will go wrong at some point. And when that happens, you have to decide if it’s time to move on.

If you’re interested in switching car insurance companies, find one that provides better service than the provider you’re leaving. This will help prevent bad experiences in the future.

  1. For Better Customer Service

Some car insurance companies are devoted to providing you with a high level of quality customer service, whether it be online or over the phone.

Conversely, there are also car insurance companies that lag in this regard. They talk about how they provide the best service, but when it comes down to it, nothing could be further from the truth.

For many people, paying extra money for better customer service is well worth it. This gives them peace of mind in knowing that they will be taken care of should anything go wrong.

Tip: test out a car insurance company’s customer service by calling them on the phone and asking a few basic questions. If they treat you poorly, you can expect the same type of service if you become a customer.

  1. When Buying a New Car

There is a lot that goes into buying a new car. For this reason, it’s easy to overlook the fact that you need to purchase insurance.

If you’re not 100 percent happy with your current car insurance company, this is a good time to make a change. At the very least, you can request a handful of quotes from other providers to see what else is out there.

If you’re going to make a change, be sure that you’re getting equal or better coverage at the same or lower rate. This will ensure that you’re a happy customer from the start.

  1. When Traveling for an Extended Period of Time

For example, your car insurance company may not allow you to cancel your coverage and restart it whenever you want.

You may find yourself asking questions such as do you need insurance on a car that doesn’t run? Since you’ll be away from the vehicle for an extended period, you don’t want to pay for coverage.

Every car insurance company takes a unique approach to this. If your current provider is unable to meet your needs, it’s time to start your search.

By switching car insurance companies, you may find it easier to alter or put your policy on hold if you’ll be traveling for an extended period of time.

Ask for clarification from any company you’re considering, so you don’t run into surprises the next time you decide to leave home for a while.

Final Thoughts

There is no right or wrong time to switch car insurance companies. If you have reason to believe it’s a good idea, now’s the time to learn more about the process.

Shopping online is the most efficient way to find an affordable policy that provides the coverage you need.

5 Ways for American Families to Save Money on Healthcare

If you and your family members see the doctor on a routine basis, you’re probably looking for some easy ways to cut down on your mounting medical bills. The good news is, you don’t have to look too far. There are plenty of easy ways to start saving money on your healthcare costs right away.

  1. Go Generic

In most cases, generic medications work precisely the same or nearly the same as name-brand medications. The most significant difference is the price – which can sometimes be hundreds of dollars cheaper. Especially if you have something like the free RX discount card, which places like Walmart usually run automatically if you ask for a generic of whatever you’re picking up.

Another great way to save on medication is to ask your doctor for free samples. Big Pharmaceutical companies are always sending out free samples to doctor’s offices, oftentimes enough to do a partial or full-on treatment with them. It never hurts to ask, and it’s rare to be denied.

  1. All-in-One Care

One of the best things you can do is find a family physician that offers various ancillary services to their patients. When you can get everything done “in-house,” you’ll end up saving a lot – not only on the services themselves but on gas, time, etc. If you aren’t having to take multiple days off work, drive to several locations, and pay hidden costs like transport fees, you end up saving quite a bit overall. This also just makes a trip to the doctor so much easier.

  1. Discount Club

There are plenty of discount clubs out there for healthcare. These will often be well under $30 a month (some even under $10) and can help you save up to 60% on doctor’s visits and follow-up care (even major surgery)! It’s a huge help, especially to those who go to the hospital frequently.

  1. Check Your Bill

Did you know that up to 50% of the time, your medical bill has errors? How about that these errors can cost you hundreds of dollars? It’s critical to always pour over your medical bills to ensure you aren’t being charged incorrectly due to a mistake. This is a super-easy way to save money and can end up saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the type of medical care you’ve received. (This is especially important if you’ve been to the ER or if you’ve been hospitalized.)

  1. Eat Well

Health starts at home. If you eat well, exercise, and create an environment that helps you boost your mental health, you’ll quickly see health problems minimize or even melt away. As a rule, you should eat a rainbow a day (if not each meal) because different colored plants contain high amounts of different vitamins. Cutting out sugars and opting for healthier sweeteners like honey, dates, and agave can also be fantastic for your health. Making food from scratch is another way to ensure that you’re eating well since store-bought food has questionable ingredients.

So don’t stress – you got this handled! It’s as simple as eating well, doing a little reading, and switching your medications to something more affordable. You don’t have to feel burdened by healthcare – it’s supposed to help you feel better.