A recent study conducted by LendingTree has shed light on the driving habits of Generation Z, uncovering concerning trends regarding their behavior behind the wheel. The study, which analyzed millions of insurance quotes from January 2023 to November 2023, revealed that individuals belonging to Generation Z, aged between 18 and 26, exhibited the highest incident rates, accidents, DUIs, and other driving infractions compared to other age groups.
According to the findings, Generation Z drivers reported an incident rate of 49.07 per 1,000 drivers, nearly double that of millennials, who came in second at 25.13. The incident rates among Generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation were comparatively lower.
Rob Bhatt, an auto insurance expert at LendingTree, attributed the high incident rates among Gen Z to their inexperience and propensity for risk-taking. He highlighted the importance of young drivers gaining familiarity with operating vehicles and learning to navigate various hazards on the road. Additionally, Bhatt pointed out that distracted driving, particularly due to the temptation of using smartphones while driving, may contribute to the elevated incident rates observed among Gen Z.
In addition to having the highest incident rates, Generation Z also topped the charts for accident rates, with 30.25 accidents per 1,000 drivers. This figure was significantly higher than the accident rates of other generations, posing challenges for young drivers who already face higher insurance premiums.
Moreover, Generation Z exhibited the highest DUI rates and received the highest number of driving citations compared to other age groups. Bhatt emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean driving record to avoid further increases in insurance premiums.
Despite the challenges faced by young drivers, Bhatt suggested several strategies to mitigate insurance costs. These include avoiding tickets and accidents, paying bills on time to maintain a positive credit history, and shopping around for insurance quotes to find the best rates.
While insurance rates have been on the rise across all age groups in recent years, Bhatt remains hopeful that rates may stabilize in the future. In the meantime, he advises young drivers to heed these recommendations to manage their insurance expenses effectively and ensure road safety for themselves and others.