Anne Seaver, the daughter of the late Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, is being sued for negligence by a New Jersey husband and wife after a recent vehicle crash that caused serious injuries. Seaver Vineyards, the Calistoga-based family winemaking operation of which she is the chief financial officer, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
The complaint, which was filed on April 29 in Napa County Superior Court, alleges that on the afternoon of March 30, Seaver crossed over solid double yellow lines in her 2023 Toyota Highlander and collided head-on with a BMW at around 60 mph on the Silverado Trail.
According to the suit, an eyewitness at the scene observed Seaver’s behavior after the crash to be strange, saying that she “seemed frantic and was only concerned about the well being of her dogs.” The witness also expressed surprise that Seaver was not Breathalyzed due to her behavior. The suit says that a California Highway Patrol officer also stated that Seaver got out of her car to check on her dogs while the occupants of the other vehicle were still trapped.
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Robert Glassman, who is one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs, spoke on the seriousness of the crash in comparison to Seaver’s seeming lack of concern for the people in the other car.
“By all accounts she seemed to be more interested in her dogs than in the people she just plowed into,” Glassman said Tuesday. “And based on other eyewitnesses, it wasn’t immediately known whether the people in the other car were even alive or not. That’s how bad the damage was to the car. People thought they may be lying dead in that car, and Ms. Seaver didn’t seem to be too interested in finding that out for herself.”
The complaint also alleges that containers of nitrous oxide were found in Seaver’s vehicle. Nitrous oxide, when inhaled, can produce feelings of euphoria and dissociation. The suit does not state whether the CHP suspected Seaver of having used recreational nitrous oxide.
The suit states that Laura Rosenberg, who was the passenger in the BMW that was struck, sustained serious injuries that required her to be airlifted to a nearby hospital. It was there that she underwent numerous surgeries and was listed in critical condition.
Glassman believes that the severity of the crash should warrant further punishment.
“You just can’t let something like that happen with no repercussions," he said. "This could be your mom or your dad or whoever just left laying for dead on the side of the road. The person who caused that has to face the consequences for it.”
Glassman further explained that Seaver Vineyards is also being named in the lawsuit due to the close proximity of the crash to the vineyard, and that the plaintiffs' lawyers are still investigating whether or not Seaver was on company business at the time.
Seaver Vineyards could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Anne Seaver's father Tom, who won 311 games during a 20-year Major League Baseball career, planted Seaver Vineyards in 2001 in the Calistoga area, produced his first wines there in 2005, and operated the winery until his death in 2020.
Why auto insurance premiums will continue rising in 2024
Why auto insurance premiums will continue rising in 2024
![Why auto insurance premiums will continue rising in 2024](https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/9d/49db7163-5c40-52c0-9039-cf3b064cf904/663536404e3ba.image.png?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)
Do you want the bad news or the worst news first? Way.com is not cruel and will gently let you know the truth.
Okay, the bad news first. The price of everything from groceries to furniture is going up. The worst news? Insuring your car to navigate this economic apocalypse just got significantly more expensive.
Full Coverage or Empty Wallet? 2024 Auto Insurance Increases Will Hit You Hard!
Full coverage costs $212 a month on average, while liability-only coverage costs $103 a month. That prices out to $2541 and $1238 a year, respectively. In 2023, the average price of full-coverage car insurance across the country went up by 24%.
The cost of car insurance depends on many things. These include the type of vehicle you drive, your driving record, and, in many places, your credit score.
The place where you live also has a big impact on your rate, especially in states like Michigan, Connecticut, and Florida. But rates for all types of car insurance are going up at an alarming rate. This is mostly because of things like the cost of auto parts and the effects of climate change.
Auto Insurance Premiums Have Been on a Joyride to Hell
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, auto insurance premiums in 2024 have increased by a whopping 20.6% year-over-year. That's right, your car insurance is now more expensive than that regrettable avocado toast you splurged on last week.
This was the biggest increase since December 1976, when rates went up 22.4% from the previous year.
According to the BLS, the cost of car insurance went up 17.4% each year in 2023. This was the biggest annual increase since 1976, when it went up 28.7%.
A rise in accidents, type of accidents, and location – factors all working together to make costs go up – are combining to give many American drivers insurance sticker shock.
A lot of people stayed home during the height of the pandemic, but the number of deaths on the roads rose by 10.5% in 2021, reaching their highest level since 2005. The NHTSA said it was the biggest rise in deaths it had ever seen. The number of deaths didn't go down much from 2021 to 2022.
Top 10 States Where Rates are the Highest
![Top 10 States Where Rates are the Highest](https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=150%2C146 150w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=200%2C195 200w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=225%2C219 225w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=300%2C292 300w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=400%2C390 400w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=540%2C526 540w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=640%2C624 640w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1a/41aad89d-3379-5142-9edf-d4c4d345cb8a/6635364156295.image.png?resize=747%2C728 750w)
From population density to car thefts, take a look at the reasons why rates are the highest in these states.
How Long Will These Rates Stick Around?
![How Long Will These Rates Stick Around?](https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=150%2C92 150w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=200%2C123 200w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=225%2C138 225w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=300%2C184 300w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=400%2C245 400w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=540%2C331 540w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=640%2C392 640w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/b2/ab2149bc-cb26-5757-af89-393f89f3a069/66353641b40ff.image.png?resize=746%2C457 750w)
If you are living in one of the states above, you can compare and see how much auto insurance premiums increased in 2023.
Calmer Seas Ahead: Auto Insurance Rates Stabilizing
After a turbulent year, auto insurance premiums are now stabilizing, with less substantial increases anticipated in the coming months.
Insurers endured high loss ratios for the majority of 2023, which will likely be reflected in additional rate hikes. This is primarily attributable to the soaring cost of auto parts and the growing volume and severity of claims.
The insurance industry persisted under the strain of inflationary pressures, labor shortages, and supply chain deceleration, which originated during the COVID-19 pandemic into 2023. However, losses for personal auto insurers have decelerated as the impact of rate increases begins to outweigh loss trends. As a result, drivers may anticipate a degree of industry stabilization in the latter part of 2024.
Increasing Maintenance and Repair Costs = Lower Insurer Profits
Since 2022, the consumer price index for car maintenance and repair from the Bureau of Labor Statistics has experienced significant double-digit increases. Higher expenses incurred at the auto shop are transferred to insurers, who then adjust their rates to accommodate the rising costs of claims.
Insurers are also bearing the costs of increasingly frequent and severe accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was a significant increase in traffic fatalities during the COVID-19 shutdowns. In 2020, the number of fatalities rose by 7.3%, and in 2021, it increased by 10.1%.
With the rise of advanced automotive technology, the cost and complexity of car repairs have also increased. The cost of replacing a windshield can be quite high, especially in vehicles equipped with advanced features like rain-sensing wipers, driver assistance systems, and adaptive cruise control. The cost of replacing a windshield on older vehicles typically ranges from $300 to $600.
Electric vehicles (EVs) do have higher repair costs. In certain models, Tesla has ingeniously integrated batteries as a structural component of their cars rather than a mere replaceable part. This strategic move has allowed Tesla, the leading manufacturer of electric vehicles in the U.S., to solidify its position in the market. If a minor accident occurs, it may be necessary to replace the entire battery, which can result in a significant expense ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for the replacement part.
Tesla: Crash Proof Cars or Crash Test Dummy Insurance?
In a January 2023 investor call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled his intentions to revamp the design and reduce the expenses associated with repairing a Tesla after a collision. In 2019, the company also introduced Tesla Insurance, providing customers with the opportunity to secure more affordable rates compared to conventional insurance providers.
Nevertheless, numerous Tesla Insurance policyholders have expressed frustration over extended wait times for compensation. The automaker is also dealing with class-action lawsuits that claim Tesla sensors generate inaccurate collision warnings, leading to higher insurance premiums.
Pandemic Souvenir – Expensive Cars That Nobody Can Afford
The auto manufacturing industry is facing significant challenges due to supply chain disruptions and labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is a decline in inventory and a noticeable increase in prices for new vehicles. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price for new cars has increased by about 23% since November 2020, now reaching over $48,000.
On the other hand, the prices of new vehicles have remained steady from one year to the next, thanks to the favorable market conditions for car buyers. Used vehicle prices also experienced a significant increase but have since decreased by 3% since October 2023, with an average list price of $26,533, according to KBB data. However, the inventory of used vehicles, particularly the ones that are most affordable, continues to be limited.
Fire, Flood, Fury – Climate Change Makes Insurance Companies Weep
Weather events are increasingly impacting insurer losses. During the first half of 2023, the U.S. experienced significant losses due to severe convective storms, resulting in insured damages amounting to a minimum of $29 billion].
In 2023, there were insurance industry crises in several states that are particularly vulnerable to climate catastrophes, such as Florida, California, and Louisiana. In 2023, the United States witnessed a total of 25 weather or climate disaster events that resulted in losses surpassing $1 billion each, as per the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as of Dec. 8.
Due to the expensive claims related to climate change, major insurers are reducing coverage, not renewing policies, and stopping the sale of new homes and auto policies in high-risk areas. With the rise in the frequency of severe weather events, policyholders may experience a decrease in coverage options, potentially leading to higher rates.
A Roadmap (Maybe)
A significant majority of drivers experienced multiple premium increases in 2023, resulting in a substantial rise in the average annual rate for full coverage to $2,019. Several factors came together to cause a significant increase in rates, such as escalating repair costs, shortages in labor, higher prices for vehicles, and climate disasters.
In the future, car insurance pricing may be influenced by severe weather events and the expensive repairs associated with high-tech and electric vehicles.
It is projected that car insurance rates will experience a further increase in 2024. If you're looking to reduce your car insurance expenses in 2024, there are several choices available. These include raising your deductibles, lowering your coverage limits, and obtaining quotes from multiple insurers to secure a more favorable rate.
Policyholders may inquire with their insurance companies to see if they are eligible for any potential discounts. Typical discounts encompass savings for vehicle safety features, defensive driving courses, combining home and auto insurance, and establishing automatic payments.
Bottom line
- As a result of record losses incurred by insurers due to the escalating cost of repairs, climate calamities, and severe car accidents, auto insurance premiums increased by an alarming 24% in 2023.
- Recent estimates indicate that auto insurance premiums will increase by 7% in 2024, which is nearly double the median annual increase.
- Annually, a full-coverage policy costs an average of $2,019 at the national level, which is equivalent to 2.6% of the median household income. The national average cost of state-mandated liability insurance increased to $1,154.
- In 2023, average wage growth was 638% lower than the increase in auto insurance premiums.
- Increasing deductibles and decreasing coverage limits are the most common cost-cutting measures among motorists. 45%, however, stated that they had not implemented any measures to decrease their premiums.
- The average annual premium for a full-coverage policy for New York motorists is $3,374, the highest in the nation.
This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
Why auto insurance premiums will continue rising in 2024
![Why auto insurance premiums will continue rising in 2024](https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=150%2C107 150w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=200%2C143 200w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=225%2C160 225w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=300%2C214 300w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=400%2C285 400w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=540%2C385 540w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=640%2C456 640w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=750%2C535 750w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=990%2C706 990w, https://web.archive.org./web/20240510161550im_/https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/napavalleyregister.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/67/d6713b79-609d-5281-9664-0ba8e1b2f155/6635431f77666.image.png?resize=1010%2C720 1035w)