There are numerous reasons why claims presented to car insurance companies are higher at some times of the year than others. In some ways, this makes sense and can be predicted. For example, one would expect that in parts of the country that experience a great deal of snow and ice in the winter, there would be more accidents – and hence, more claims. Another time during which claims tend to rise is early and late in the school year as more high-risk teen drivers take to the roads.
However, one of California’s leading insurers reports that for the past several years, mid-December – specifically the 15th – has been the busiest day for insurers when it comes to customers filing claims.
In old Roman society, the 15th day of the month was known as the ides. As most history buffs know, it was the “ides of March,” or the 15th, on which Julius Caesar was assassinated. For California auto insurance companies however, the ides of December appears to be the day that is malis avibus (literally “under bad birds,” or a day of unfavorable signs – the ancient Romans were nothing if not superstitious). Since 2006, more claims on their auto insurance coverage have been filed by customers on this day than any other, according to data collected by Allstate.
In the northern regions of the country that experience bad late fall and early winter weather, this would make sense – but in sunny California?
Not Necessarily the Weather
While one Los Angeles Allstate agent acknowledged that the weather might have something to do with it (Southern California does get a bit of rain in the winter months), he also suggested that it may also have to do with increased travel and more trips to the shopping malls during the holiday seasons.
Of course, the December holidays can be a stressful time for many people, particularly among those who are expected to entertain and fulfill a host of social expectations. This can lead to an increase in driver distraction, which can have the same effect on judgment as alcohol.
And you can expect that any increase in claims will exert upward pressure on the typical California auto insurance rate.
What to Do?
Wherever you are in the country, it is important to remember that even under the best conditions, operating a motor vehicle requires 100% focus and concentration at all times. Avoid distractions, particularly cell phone usage – which can have the same effect on one’s reaction time as two alcoholic drinks. If you must drive in heavy traffic (and in Southern California, is there any other kind?), be aware of your fellow motorists at all times, allow for plenty of stopping distance (at least one car length for every ten miles per hour of speed) and remember the first lesson you learned in driver’s ed – “leave yourself an out.”
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