Insurance.com warns of the dangers and expenses of texting and phone use while driving

CLEVELAND, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Text messaging while driving is outlawed in 14 states for all drivers, in 10 additional states for new drivers and in one additional state for bus drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association®. Still, accidents are reported every day that involve driver distraction due to cell phone use. These accidents can result in injuries, car damage and car insurance rate hikes between 10-50 percent.

"Engaging in distracting behavior like texting while driving, which takes the driver's hands off of the steering wheel, is extremely risky and can increase the likelihood of accidents," said Sam Belden, vice president at insurance.com. "Even minor accidents can cause injuries and steep insurance rate hikes."

Car insurance rate increases resulting from accidents vary by state and insurance company. However, based on a 2008 insurance.com study of the effect a violation or insurance claim has on auto insurance premiums and rates, the price can be high. Drivers who had a ticket saw their rates increase between $157 and $248 a year, while those who had an accident claim saw increases ranging from $302 to $458 annually.

For more information about the dangers of distracted driving or to see car insurance rate trends by state, please visit www.insurance.com.

About insurance.com

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, insurance.com is the top online auto insurance agency in the U.S., and offers comparison auto insurance quotes consumers can buy online or by phone. By linking directly to the rating systems of fifteen top insurance companies with its proprietary technology, insurance.com provides instant, accurate comparison rates that help consumers make smarter decisions about auto insurance. For more information, visit http://www.insurance.com.

SOURCE insurance.com

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