Summer car insurance and safety should be top of mind, expert says
Jul 11, 2024, 1:00 PM | Updated: 1:04 pm
Have summer plans? Thinking about car insurance and safety might be a good thing. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — More people are on the roads in the summer, and even with a clean driving record, one accident can put a dent in your summer travel budget and car insurance.
According to Bankrate Insurance Analyst Shannon Martin, one accident can increase your rates up to 43%.
Driving under the influence can cause your rates to rise to $4,017 per year in Utah.
“If you have one at-fault accident, we see an average of a 43% increase in the cost of your car insurance for full coverage,” Martin said. “And these increases are standard policies anywhere between three to five years depending on your state.”
Martin said the average Utahn pays $2,037 a year for full coverage car insurance. One accident can increase premiums to over $2,900.
She said while traveling this summer, being prepared can keep both you and your wallet safe.
“Make sure to look up the directions, become familiar with how to get there,” Martin said. “Many studies are showing that even though people are using hand-free texting, and hand-free phone calls and navigation, it still counts as distracted driving.”
The rates of accidents increase during the summer, especially during holidays. Martin said to be prepared with emergency funds to pay for deductibles and repairs from any unexpected accident.
Related:
