Material Focus

We call it auto insurance because the vehicle is the focus of what we cover. Right? Maybe. When the first person bought an automobile insurance policy, the driver's biggest concern was the value of the car. They were rare and not easily replaced. They didn't move very fast, so injury to the humans onboard was of little concern.

Most automobile owners today see cars as just hunks of metal and plastic that have value, yes, but are disposable. I'll admit, some drivers consider their vehicle as the most prized possession they own and will spend a small fortune in time and money to care for it. Should something happen to their baby, they fall to pieces. Cars typically have a fixed cost and can be replaced or repaired with like-kind and quality replacement parts. Factory parts required to repair a damaged automobile are scarce and often take months to ship. The shortage of used cars has driven up the cost of repair and replacement. The bottom line is that insurance companies must raise prices to remain profitable in light of the increasing costs of repairs. 

Human Focus

Over time, auto insurance policies evolved to cover passengers for medical bills in the event of an accident. Now, more than ever, the focus is on the human, not on the car’s value so much. Insurance companies rank cars on safety and the number of potential injuries (they count the seats in the car, no joke). If the vehicle ranks higher for safety, the price of insurance is lower.

So, the big question is, how much does it cost for a human to receive medical care in a hospital? The price of auto insurance is directly tied to the rising cost of medical care. Hospitals are understaffed and overworked. Pharmaceutical supplies are short and in high demand. Qualified administrative staffing in clinics and hospitals also suffers. All this translates to a higher medical bill that the auto insurance company must pay after a car crash.

Safety Focus

Now is the time to drive as safely as you can. Take care of the most important thing you have, and it’s not your car—it’s your health and that of your passengers. Slow down; it’s not worth the months of delay in getting your vehicle repaired and the horrendous cost of medical bills that may exceed the policy limit.