GET GEPHARDT

Rising costs of insurance and other travel expenses has majority of drivers reconsidering summer travel plans

Jul 3, 2024, 10:15 PM | Updated: 10:42 pm

FILE - Vehicles move along Interstate 76 ahead in Philadelphia, Nov. 22, 2023. The energy used by c...

FILE - Vehicles move along Interstate 76 ahead in Philadelphia, Nov. 22, 2023. The energy used by cars and CO2 emissions could have dropped by over 30% in the past decade if not for the world’s growing taste for SUVs, a new report from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative suggests. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

SALT LAKE CITY — If I asked you to name the one thing that might have you rethinking making a summer road trip, do gas prices immediately come to your mind? Turns out, that’s the number one thing making people think twice about a long summer drive according to a new survey shared with the KSL Investigators by Experian.

But there is a more long-term cost that is now also impacting the decision for some: insurance.

“They have doubled the premium on me,” Trisha Madsen told us earlier this year.

The average auto insurance premium has climbed by more than 20% over the past five years. But for some, like Madsen, the increase has been a lot more.

“To double them is quite a deal!” she said.

Get Gephardt: Little-known insurance report where an error can cost you thousands in higher premiums

Now, Experian’s new data shows 71% of us are reconsidering our summer travel plans.

“Their road trips are being adjusted,” said Rod Griffin, Experian’s Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy.

He said the rising costs of road-tripping has brought those spiking insurance premiums into focus for folks — whether it’s the fear of getting into an incident that requires an insurance claim or simply looking to lower insurance premiums to offset gas and other travel expenses hit by inflation.

“They’re telling us is they’re trying to find ways to save money this summer so that they can still have some road trip, but do so that it doesn’t break the bank,” Griffin said.

Though they may not seem related, improving your credit score can lower your auto insurance premiums. As can shopping around for an insurer offering a better rate. Experian recently launched a website aimed at helping consumers compare coverage and prices.

How you can lower your car insurance costs even as rates continue to climb

Get Gephardt

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

10 hours ago

When they made Tim Vincent an offer for his, he says UDOT's appraiser made a glaring mistake - not ...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage

UDOT moves to take Orem family’s home before resolving $175K price dispute

When they made Tim Vincent an offer for his, he says UDOT's appraiser made a glaring mistake - not taking into account his automotive shop in his backyard.

4 days ago

Virginia and Bob Baird explain to KSL's Matt Gephardt how a woman at a store tricked Virginia into ...

Matt Gephardt

Utah shopper duped into buying $1,000 in baby formula in likely scam

There may be nothing which pulls the heartstrings like hearing about a baby who doesn't have anything to eat. Scammers are banking on it.

5 days ago

Rehn says despite the her washer’s fifth breakdown, her extended warranty company will not pay ou...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt helps Washington City woman who says her warranty won’t pay out for her unrepairable washer

When a Washington City woman's extended warranty refused to cover the cost to replace her broken-down washer, she decided to Get Gephardt.

6 days ago

Viewers have spotted UTA vans with plates from several states including California, Colorado and Mi...

Matt Gephardt

Why do some of UTA’s ‘On Demand’ vans have out-of-state plates?

There is something brow-raising taking place on Utah roads: People are noticing UTA vans driving around with out-of-state plates. It prompted some viewers to Get Gephardt to investigate.

7 days ago

Christopher Maxwell says the most difficult thing about conning Americans as a romance scammer was ...

Matt Gephardt

A former romance scammer reveals his secrets to KSL showing how he conned people out of thousands of dollars

A man who says he's a reformed romance scammer shares with KSL’s Matt Gephardt how he made targets fall in love with him.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Rising costs of insurance and other travel expenses has majority of drivers reconsidering summer travel plans