Local Insurance Rates 22% Higher Than U.S. Average

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Daytona Beach, FL - Drivers in Volusia and Flagler counties are paying 22% more for insurance than others nationwide.

That's according to the latest national report from The Zebra, an insurance search engine.

The Zebra's report shows that Volusia and Flagler drivers are paying, on average, around $1,888 a year for car insurance. That puts the area $418 higher than the United States average of $1,470.

While Volusia and Flagler might be paying more than the national average, the two counties still pay $615 less per year than the state average of $2,058, a 29% difference.

According to the Zebra, Deltona drivers in the 32725 and 32738 zip codes pay the highest out of the two counties with an average of $1,884. New Smyrna Beach drivers in 32169 pay the lowest average out of both counties at $1,769.

You can find a full Volusia-Flagler breakdown by clicking here. (ZIP codes are included as some cities carry multiple ZIP codes with different averages).

Another part of the report shows that car insurance rates in the Orlando-Daytona metro area jumped 6.5%, marking a 56% increase since 2011.

"Car insurance rates go up for everybody when lots of claims are filed," said Nicole Beck, Public Relations Manager for The Zebra. "Claims are filed when accidents happen, usually because there's more people on the road."

And according to Beck, a couple of different factors have led to more people driving.

"Gas prices have been lower these past several years, leading to more people driving," said Beck. "Urbanization in the Daytona Beach area has also led to traditionally more sleepy areas becoming more congested."

Another reason highlighted by Beck is a lack of public transportation can also lead to more people being on the road. When it comes to the Daytona Beach area, only one public transport system is available (Votran) compared to other areas that also include train and subway systems.

State insurance rates also spiked following Hurricane Michael, which caused over $5 billion in insured losses just in the State of Florida.

Drivers in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale metro area paid on average $2,687 a year for vehicle insurance, followed by the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro at $2,256.