Car insurance is required in the state of Arizona—yet while it’s a necessity, the price to insure your vehicle keeps going up. Throughout the insurance industry, vehicle insurance rates are increasing by an average of 4.9% or more, according to recent research.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. To help Chandler residents understand the issue and manage expenses, local State Farm agent, Debbie Wiltse, has a few tips.
Why are auto insurance rates increasing?
One reason auto insurance rates are increasing is due to rising repair costs.
“Parking sensors, lane-departure warnings, and even stronger materials are now widely available on many vehicles,” Wiltse explains. “While those smarter sensors and stronger devices can help improve safety, they are also more expensive to repair.”
Wiltse adds that ongoing supply chain issues have also impacted repair costs and, on occasion, how quickly you can get repairs completed. Also, with new technology being put into vehicles, it can increase prices when it comes to things like electric car insurance.
Another reason for the raised rates is distracted driving, Wiltse notes.
According to a State Farm® survey, more than half of drivers indicate that they read or send texts while driving, and one-third of drivers reported using video chat or recording video. Even voice-activated car commands can divert cognitive abilities and attention.
“Rethink using the phone while driving, and resist being tempted by other driving distractions,” Wiltse says. “If you have a teen, be sure to talk with them about safe driving habits—especially since teenagers make up a large portion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.”
Managing Rising Auto Insurance Rates
Wiltse shares that there are multiple ways Chandler drivers can potentially save on their car insurance, including the following.
- Many insurance providers offer special rates tailored to individual drivers, such as State Farm’s Personal Price Plan.
- Evaluate how increasing your deductible would reduce your monthly premium.
- Take advantage of applicable discounts offered by your insurance company. “With State Farm, some of our discounts include options like Drive Safe & Save™, the Multiple Line Discount, the Steer Clear® Safe Driver Discount for drivers under age 25, and the Good Student Discount,” Wiltse notes.
- Consider decreasing coverage on older vehicles.
Having been in the industry most of her life, Wiltse shares that she understands the value of quality insurance.
“Family is important to me, so I know how important it is to have insurance you can trust to protect yours,” she says. “My team and I are always happy to help locals learn more about their auto insurance options and find them the best coverage at the right price.”
Debbie Wiltse, FLMI, CLU, ChFC, RICP, started with State Farm in 1973 in Michigan, and then moved to Illinois. Coming to Arizona in 1987, her agency has been in the Southeast Valley since 2000, offering insurance and financial services including home, auto, life, health, and business. She loves spending time with her family, golfing, and traveling around the world.