National Survey Highlights Auto Insurance Strain While Florida Crash Statistics Underscore the Stakes

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country, and many drivers are starting to wonder if the cost is worth the protection. A new LendingTree survey of 1,570 Americans with auto insurance, conducted in July 2025, reveals just how heavy this financial burden has become for everyday families.

LendingTree Survey Reveals Disturbing Facts

For people who have been in a car accident, understanding the LendingTree survey results is important because they reflect the very real choices drivers face when weighing monthly budgets against essential coverage.

1. It’s a “large burden.”

According to LendingTree, nearly six in ten insured drivers say auto insurance feels like a financial burden. More than one in five call it a large burden. The survey also reported that the average monthly premium is $204, which means many households are spending close to $2,500 a year just to stay insured.

The rising cost is pushing people to cut back in other areas of life. Dining out, gym memberships, and streaming services were among the top sacrifices families made to afford insurance.

2. People have driven without insurance.

Another striking statistic: nearly 30 percent of insured drivers admitted they have driven without insurance at some point in their lives. Parents with children under 18 were the most likely group to say they had taken that risk, with 43 percent admitting to driving uninsured.

3. Some drivers avoid filing claims.

Perhaps most concerning, 35 percent of insured drivers said they avoided filing a claim after an accident because they feared their premiums would rise even higher. This choice can leave injured drivers or passengers paying large medical bills and repair costs out of pocket.

The Role of Auto Insurance After a Car Crash

Insurance may feel like a bill that takes more than it gives, but when a serious crash happens it often becomes the only thing standing between financial stability and financial ruin.

Types of Coverage

• Liability coverage: Pays for the other driver’s medical bills and property damage if you are at fault. It does not pay for your own injuries or vehicle repairs.
• Collision coverage: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you are in a crash, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for non-crash damage such as theft, vandalism, or storm damage.

Together, these coverages are often referred to as “full coverage.” Drivers who only carry liability may pay less per month but run the risk of major expenses if they are injured or if their car is totaled.

5 Takeaways From the Car Insurance Survey

The survey results highlight more than financial strain. According to attorney Virginia Buchanan of Levin Papantonio, the data shows a pattern of drivers making risky choices in response to high costs.

1. Be Aware of Your UM Motorist Coverage.

Buchanan recommends that drivers review their policies with their agents to be sure they have sufficient UM coverage. 

“This survey underscores what we see locally and regionally—that people must protect themselves from the large number of uninsured drivers,” Buchanan said. “Uninsured/underinsured (UM) motorist coverage is essential if you or your loved ones are on the highway. It fills the void and is less expensive than liability coverage that you purchase alongside it.”

2. The Cost of Paying Out-of-Pocket Can Be Crippling.

According to Levin Papantonio attorney Rachael Gilmer, avoiding claims or going without coverage can lead to even greater financial hardship if a serious accident occurs. The Pensacola-based law firm’s car accident lawyers see every day how insurance decisions affect families after a crash.

“We see far too many people who thought they were saving money by carrying only the minimum insurance or by not filing a claim,” Gilmer said. “When an accident happens, that decision can leave families with medical bills and repair costs they can never realistically pay off.”  

3. It’s Important to Know Your Policy.

The survey also underscores the importance of knowing what your policy actually covers. Many drivers carry only the minimum liability required by law. While this may lower the monthly bill, it may leave families exposed to devastating expenses after a crash.

“Adequate insurance is not just about protecting yourself. It protects your family, your passengers, and even other drivers on the road. The right policy ensures that when the unexpected happens, you are not left choosing between your health and your financial security,” Gilmer explained.

4. Shopping Around Can Prove Helpful.

Another takeaway from LendingTree’s survey is that consumers need to shop around and revisit their policies regularly. Rates can vary widely between insurers, and some companies offer better accident forgiveness or claim support.

5. Understand the Role of a Car Accident Lawyer

“Insurance companies do not always make it easy to recover what you are entitled to after a motor-vehicle accident. Our job is to step in when people are overwhelmed or being treated unfairly, and to make sure their claims are handled the way the law requires,” Gilmer added.

In some cases, personal injury lawsuits may be necessary to recover damages.

Practical Tips for Drivers

Buchanan and Gilmer suggested the following tips for avoiding the financial pitfalls of a motor-vehicle accident.

• Review your policy before renewing to make sure coverage is sufficient.
• Keep your driving record clean to avoid unnecessary premium hikes.
• Document everything after a crash: photos, medical records, and witness information.
• Do not assume you should pay out of pocket just to avoid a possible premium increase.
• Seek advice from a qualified attorney if your injuries are serious or your claim is disputed.

Auto insurance is more than a monthly bill. For many families it feels like a heavy weight, but it remains one of the most important financial protections available. The decision to cut back on coverage or avoid filing a claim can carry life-changing consequences when a serious crash occurs.

SOURCES:

• 58% of Insured Drivers Say Insurance Is a Burden | LendingTree
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2023 Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report