Younger motorists spend more time handling auto insurance claims, research shows
Differences between young and old motorists don't end with the type of vehicle they drive. Research from J.D. Power and Associates shows understanding of auto insurance claims varies as well.
According to researchers, those born between 1977 and 1994 are less likely to understand the claims process. Gen Y spent an average of 22 minutes dealing with an auto insurance claim, compared to 15 minutes for the Boomer generation. Despite spending more time discussing their claim, younger motorists were twice as likely to report having unanswered questions.
J.D. Power and Associates senior director of the insurance practice Jeremy Bowler says it's important for car insurance companies to establish a strong relationship with younger motorists.
"Insurers need to ensure Gen Y claimants have a clear understanding of who to contact after they report their claim, as well as who they should expect to be contacted by next," says Bowler. "Insurers should also find out each claimant's preferred communication channel and contact number."
It's particularly important for young motorists to understand the auto insurance claims process given the number of car accidents less-experienced drivers get in. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 270,000 teens were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2006. Many more were involved in less serious collisions.