These US States Are the Worst for Vehicle Owners, Study Finds

The research by the Las Vegas-based personal injury law firm Shook & Stone analyzed vehicle ownership costs and safety risks across U.S. states. It measured three primary metrics: Auto Insurance Expenditures as Percentage of Median Income (scored out of 30 points), Fatal Crash Scores (scored out of 40 points), and Auto Repair Rates as Percent of Monthly Per Capita Income (scored out of 30 points). These metrics were totaled to rank the states based on the highest to lowest stress score on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater vehicle ownership challenges.

Mississippi leads the nation with a vehicle ownership stress score of 94.5/100. The Magnolia State has auto insurance expenditures representing 2.18% of median income (scoring 24.5/30 for insurance burden). The state has 23 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents (scoring 40/40 for crash risk) and auto repair rates representing 5.96% of monthly per capita income (scoring 30/30 for repair burden).

Louisiana ranks second with a vehicle ownership stress score of 85.5/100. The Pelican State has auto insurance expenditures representing 2.67% of median income (scoring 30/30 for insurance burden). The state recorded 17 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents (scoring 29.2/40 for crash risk) and auto repair rates representing 5.24% of monthly per capita income (scoring 26.4/30 for repair burden).

New Mexico secures third place with a vehicle ownership stress score of 78.0/100. The Land of Enchantment has auto insurance expenditures representing 1.70% of median income (scoring 19.1/30 for insurance burden). The state reported 19 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents (scoring 33.6/40 for crash risk) and auto repair rates representing 5.02% of monthly per capita income (scoring 25.3/30 for repair burden).

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Shook & Stone commented:

"The research reveals that Mississippi, Louisiana, and New Mexico present significant financial and safety challenges for vehicle owners, with residents facing high insurance costs relative to income, elevated accident rates, and substantial repair expenses.

"The data further suggests that states with lower median incomes and higher accident rates tend to create more stressful vehicle ownership experiences than those with better economic stability and safer driving conditions.

"To improve vehicle ownership affordability and safety, these states should prioritize infrastructure improvements, promote defensive driving education programs, and work with insurance providers to develop more affordable coverage options. Addressing systemic economic issues through comprehensive transportation and safety initiatives could also significantly improve residents' vehicle ownership experience."

Arkansas ranks fourth with a 77.4/100 vehicle ownership stress score. The Natural State has auto insurance expenditures representing 1.71% of median income (scoring 19.2/30 for insurance burden). The state reported 18 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents (scoring 31.2/40 for crash risk) and auto repair rates representing 5.36% of monthly per capita income (scoring 27.0/30 for repair burden).

South Carolina ranks fifth with a vehicle ownership stress score of 77.35/100. The Palmetto State has auto insurance expenditures representing 1.95% of median income (scoring 21.9/30 for insurance burden). The state documented 18 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents (scoring 32.1/40 for crash risk) and auto repair rates representing 4.64% of monthly per capita income (scoring 23.3/30 for repair burden).

Alabama ranks sixth with a vehicle ownership stress score of 75.6/100, followed by Kentucky, which ranks seventh with 74.1/100. Florida ranks eighth with 73.9/100, Wyoming, ranking ninth, scores 71.9/100, and Oklahoma, in the tenth spot, earned 70.6/100.

Table of Extended Results:

The study was conducted by Shook & Stone, a law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured and disabled individuals, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve while providing compassionate, personalized legal representation.