Washington D.C. Most Dangerous Place to Drive

Insurance is all about risk. In short, insurers try to determine the likelihood you will cost them money by operating a vehicle, and then charge accordingly.

Many insurance pricing factors have to do with the driver and their respective vehicle, but others have to do with the area or state in which the individual resides.

And if it can be determined that car accidents occur in certain areas more than others, you can expect your car insurance premium to increase.

Nation’s Capital Most Dangerous

Ironically enough, the nation’s capital is the most dangerous place to drive a vehicle nationwide.

In fact, drivers get into accidents an average of every 4.7 years, according to a new report from Allstate called the “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report.”

That’s more than twice the national average, which is roughly 10 years. That’s right, every decade you’re expected to get into a car accident. Scary stuff to be sure.

Nearby Baltimore came in second with a crash every 5.3 years, and hot spots like Los Angeles were also much more dangerous than average, with a crash every 6.7 years.

These stats are all the more reason to drive as carefully as possible when in major metropolitan areas.

Put simply, the numbers are working against you, so the best way to avoid an accident is to drive even more prudently than what is expected.

For the record, Allstate considers an auto crash as any collision that results in a property damage claim.

[Why do insurers deny some claims?]

Sioux Falls the Safest Driving City

Wondering where it’s safest to operate a vehicle? Look no further than Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the average driver experiences an accident every 13.8 years.

It was followed closely by Boise, Idaho (13.8 years) and Fort Collins, Colorado (13.6 years).

If you look at these names, it becomes clear why accidents occur less frequently – there are simply fewer drivers, less congestion, and probably a reduced sense of urgency to get where you’re going.

In areas where collisions are common, it’s quite the opposite. Think rush hour, road rage, and the mindless accidents that typically follow.

[Allstate Value Plan review]

For larger cities (1 million+), Phoenix, Arizona topped the list with a collision every 10.2 years.

It was followed by San Diego, California at 8.8 years and San Antonia, Texas at 8.3 years.

Check out the other “winners” based on city size below:

Allstate insures about 10 percent of all U.S. auto policies, making it one of the largest insurers nationwide.

Of course, it is bested by State Farm, which has nearly double its market share.

Tip: You don’t need to be insured by one of the top insurers to obtain adequate coverage. There are plenty of smaller, yet highly reputable companies that will provide you with everything you need, likely at a lower price.