AAA East Central Reveals 2021's Top Insurance Claims

2021 was a costly year for many motorists due to collisions, weather, and animal related auto insurance claims. While all automobile insurance claims may not be avoidable, most can be by driving defensively, avoiding impaired or distracted driving.

Rear-end collisions/Fender Benders

Even a seemingly minor fender bender can cost more than $7,000 in damages and increase the cost of insurance premiums. Rear-end collisions and fender benders accounted for 15 percent of all auto insurance claims AAA East Central processed in 2021, with many of the crashes resulting from distracted driving.

Backing Up

Collisions caused by backing up a vehicle, on average, cost more than $1,800 in damages in 2021. This type of crash made up 12 percent of all auto insurance claims AAA East Central processed, with many occurring in parking lots or driveways. Motorists should be especially cautious when backing out of a driveway or navigating parking lots.

Animals/Fowl

Collisions involving animals or fowl made up more than 8 percent of AAA East Central’s automobile insurance claims, with an average damage cost of more than $4,100. Deer collisions can be especially destructive to vehicles and can result in severe injuries to motorists and passengers.