Extreme heat can affect driving behavior, and insurers are taking notice — how rising temperatures may impact premiums

“As climate patterns shift and extreme heat events become more frequent, insurers are beginning to take a closer look at how environmental stressors like high temperatures may influence driving behavior,” Loretta Worters, vice president of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute, told Bankrate in a story published July 24. “While this is still an emerging area of research, some insurers are exploring whether long-term risk models and pricing strategies should account for heat-related behavioral trends, particularly in regions where extreme heat is becoming the norm rather than the exception.”

After all, aggressive driving as a result of road rage can lead to higher premiums.

Road rage and insurance rates

A person’s driving history has an impact on car insurance rates, and any recorded violations can cause premiums to skyrocket. Here’s a list of aggressive driving violations that can stem from road rage:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Improper lane changes
• Reckless driving
• Not yield the right-of-way when required
• Not obeying traffic signals or signs
• Failing to signal
• Failing to move over for emergency personnel
• Forcing drivers off the road
• Cutting off other vehicles
• Throwing objects

These behaviors come with increased risk of a car crash, which is why even a citation can affect premiums. As of July, Bankrate calculated the average annual premium for full-coverage car insurance to be $2,677 — but one speeding ticket pushes the average cost up to $3,278, a 22% increase. Drivers who are found to cause an accident see average premiums go up 44%.

In some cases, drivers who commit a lot of violations or who have multiple accidents in a short amount of time could find themselves unable to continue buying standard insurance coverage. Non-standard coverage for high-risk drivers often comes at an enormous cost. Also, depending on your state’s laws, you may have your license suspended.

High heat, high premiums

Road rage isn’t the only concern insurers may have regarding extreme heat.

“Heat can drain your energy, making you more prone to drowsy driving,” Worters said. “If you’re dehydrated, you can become dizzy and confused, which can impair your judgment and can also result in a slower reaction time.”

Bankrate notes some of the states with the highest car insurance premiums are also among hottest in the country. An analysis of insurance data by the publication shows Louisiana drivers pay the second-highest full-coverage car insurance rates in the U.S. at $3,954 per year, followed by Florida drivers at $3,864 per year. It’s unclear, however, if these rates are related to temperature.

Ultimately, drivers nationwide may be forced to cope with more extreme heat events. It’s important for drivers to stay calm behind the wheel, despite any discomfort as a result of the weather. Otherwise, they may have to deal with serious financial consequences if they let aggression get the best of them.