Evolution

You may be surprised to know that the state you live affects what you pay for your auto insurance. You might pay less than someone in a neighboring state or much more than your relative that lives across the country. To understand why rates vary so much, we’ll look at a few of the states that charge the highest insurance rates.
The Wild West and the Big Cities
Not surprisingly, states with highly concentrated populations tend to have the highest insurance rates. Arizona, Nevada, New York and Washington, D.C. all are among the most expensive states in the nation for owning a car. When you think about these states you’ll also realize that they are very popular with tourists, who are notorious for their bad driving habits! A heavily concentrated population plus a steady influx of visitors leads to a high incidence of insurance claims.
When there are heavily traveled roads and highways there will inevitably be traffic jams and inconsiderate drivers. Traffic congestion combined with poor driving skills and people in a hurry mean a lot of fender bender type collisions as well as those that are more costly in repairs, injuries and loss of life. You probably have never seen a taxi driver yield to a driver trying to change lanes, have you? Courtesy prevents accidents while aggressive and selfish behavior contributes to them. In high populated areas with heavy traffic, courtesy is usually a rare thing but if everyone had just a little regard for their fellow drivers, collision rates would be cut in half!

Another factor that contributes to high insurance rates is car theft. Louisiana and New Jersey, both states with a high rate of poverty, have higher insurance rates partially because of the high number of car thefts. One way you can reduce your premiums if you live in these states is to choose a car or truck that is not a commonly stolen make and model. It may not be the kind of vehicle that was at the top of your list but you’ll probably avoid the hassle of having it stolen and you’ll be able to pay less for your insurance premiums!
Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island round out the top ten most expensive states for auto insurance. These three states are popular with tourists, have heavily congested highways and also are notorious for weather related accidents. If you live in these states, you also know that winter storms can wreak havoc on your car’s body unless you are fortunate to have a garage to park in. Comprehensive damage claims also drive up insurance rates, so if you can park your car out of the elements you can save on your premiums.
If you live in any of these ten states, there are steps you can take to reduce your premiums. Raise your deductible, use your garage, move to a suburb or rural area if possible or take public transportation instead of driving your car to and from work.
One of the best ways of shopping for low insurance rates is to first get 2-3 quotes online. Once you have them check with a local insurance agent and ask him to quote you the same. You'll save time and money every time in generalAnother factor that contributes to high insurance rates is car theft. Louisiana and New Jersey, both states with a high rate of poverty, have higher insurance rates partially because of the high number of car thefts. One way you can reduce your premiums if you live in these states is to choose a car or truck that is not a commonly stolen make and model. It may not be the kind of vehicle that was at the top of your list but you’ll probably avoid the hassle of having it stolen and you’ll be able to pay less for your insurance premiums!
Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island round out the top ten most expensive states for auto insurance. These three states are popular with tourists, have heavily congested highways and also are notorious for weather related accidents. If you live in these states, you also know that winter storms can wreak havoc on your car’s body unless you are fortunate to have a garage to park in. Comprehensive damage claims also drive up insurance rates, so if you can park your car out of the elements you can save on your premiums.
If you live in any of these ten states, there are steps you can take to reduce your premiums. Raise your deductible, use your garage, move to a suburb or rural area if possible or take public transportation instead of driving your car to and from work.