Most people are aware that where they live can affect their car insurance rates, but what some may not realize is that the cost of collision repairs can also vary significantly by state. A recent study conducted by the Dolman Law Group revealed the top 10 most and least expensive states for car accident repairs.
At the top of the list of the most expensive states for collision repairs is Rhode Island, where drivers pay an average of $1,987 per capita. Following closely behind are Georgia, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware, all with repair costs exceeding $1,500 per capita. On the other end of the spectrum, Hawaii takes the title of the least expensive state for car accident repairs, with an average cost of just $410 per capita.
One of the key factors contributing to the high repair costs in Rhode Island is the state’s low percentage of licensed drivers, which stands at just 68.8% of the population. This lower percentage means that the repair costs are spread across fewer individuals, driving up the per capita expenses. Interestingly, despite the high repair costs, Rhode Island actually has the lowest fatality rate of any state included in the study.
In an effort to address rising repair costs, Rhode Island lawmakers recently passed a bill that extends the age of vehicles for which insurers can refuse to pay for non-OEM parts during repairs. Insurers can now refuse non-OEM parts on cars up to 72 months old, potentially further increasing repair expenses in the state.
On the flip side, several states boast average repair costs well below the $1,000 mark. Hawaii leads the pack with repair costs of just $410 per capita, followed by Pennsylvania, Oregon, Minnesota, and California. These states offer more affordable options for drivers in need of collision repairs.
Earlier this year, Autoblog reported on a similar study conducted by NetCredit, which also examined the cost of car accident repairs by state. Using data from RepairPal, NetCredit ranked California as the most expensive state for repairs and West Virginia as the least expensive. The Dolman Law Group’s analysis, which took into account the number of licensed drivers, financial impacts of crashes, and fatal accident rates in each state, provides additional insight into the varying costs of collision repairs across the country.
Overall, the study highlights the significant differences in car accident repair costs from state to state and underscores the importance of understanding these variations when considering insurance coverage and repair options. Drivers in high-cost states may want to explore ways to mitigate repair expenses, while those in more affordable states can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their repair bills are likely to be less burdensome.