fwiw it came that the underlying insurance industry study here was based on the driving records of drivers (including drivers who have never been in a Tesla) who were shopping for insurance quotes for a new or upcoming Tesla purchase.
Useful anecdotal info: Most of the people I know who a) want Teslas, b) have the money, and c) haven’t bought yet, are just waiting to put a few more years on their current car so as to be wise their spending.
With that in mind, it’s clear what is going on. People who want a Tesla and who total their current car suddenly have the excuse they needed to pull the trigger. And surprise surprise, having just totaled a car (setting aside who is at fault), they have an accident on their record.
And that’s how you get skewed numbers. Because MANY people starting fresh with a new car want a Tesla. And some subset of those are only in their buying mode due to an accident.
Useful anecdotal info: Most of the people I know who a) want Teslas, b) have the money, and c) haven’t bought yet, are just waiting to put a few more years on their current car so as to be wise their spending.
With that in mind, it’s clear what is going on. People who want a Tesla and who total their current car suddenly have the excuse they needed to pull the trigger. And surprise surprise, having just totaled a car (setting aside who is at fault), they have an accident on their record.
And that’s how you get skewed numbers. Because MANY people starting fresh with a new car want a Tesla. And some subset of those are only in their buying mode due to an accident.