Auto insurance rates to drop for first time in decade
New research also shows auto insurance can play a vital role during the car buying process.
For the first time in more than a decade, personal auto insurance rates will decline in the U.S., according to ValuePenguin.com, which anticipates a 1.7% drop across the U.S.
New York and Indiana are the only states expected to see increases, which should be marginal, according to the site.
The declines are attributed to fewer motorists on the road and a reduction in claims during 2020 because of the pandemic. This has resulted in the average cost of auto insurance in 2021 to sit at $1,636, the personal finance site reported.
The lowest rates are in Maine, North Carolina and Indiana, according to ValuePenguin, while Arkansas, Ohio and Michigan saw the biggest year-over-year decreases.
Rates are expected to go back up in 2022 as more Americans return to normal routines. Further, increasing incidents of distracted driving and more expensive claims from technology-laden vehicles will drive up rates.
Although auto insurance rates have come down, policies still remain 106% more expensive when compared to a decade ago.
Insurance has major influence on the buying process
Research from DealerPolicy found car insurance can play a major role in customer satisfaction, spending power and dealership profitability. In fact, 71% of consumers said they would like insurance information at the time of purchase, and more than 60% would use those savings on a nicer car or F&I products such as prepaid maintenance, gap insurance and anti-theft equipment.
However, less than half of car shoppers reported dealers helping them consider insurance options during the buying process, despite 93% of dealers saying they do so, according to DealerPolicy.
The survey also found that 71% of consumers simply add new cars to their existing policies rather than shopping around.
Related: