Automobile crashes exact a high price when it comes to the loss of human life and injuries. Globally, nearly 1.3 million individuals are killed in crashes each year, which averages out to 3,287 deaths a day according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel. In the U.S., the NHTSA says that 33,561 people were killed in auto accidents in 2012, and 2.3 million were injured, although crash fatalities have steadily decreased since then.

The average auto liability claim for property damage was $3,073 in 2012, while the average bodily injury claim was $14,653, according to the Auto Injury Insurance Claims Study. The average collision claim ran $2,950, over $1,300 more than the average comprehensive claim at $1,585.

Car insurance is a mandatory risk management strategy for all drivers and how much you pay is determined by several factors. Carriers follow a number of guidelines when pricing a new policy. Data provider AudaExplore says these include what kind of car will be insured, how likely is it to be stolen or in an accident, what are the what the replacement or repair costs are likely to be if it is stolen or damaged, and whether or not the vehicle has specific features that make it safer.

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