(NORTH CAROLINA NEWS NETWORK) — The pandemic led to fewer people driving, something State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey says has impacted auto insurance rates.

Causey urged auto insurance carriers to reflect any savings they saw in premiums, and a majority in the state did just that.

The Insurance Commissioner says its also important the insurance companies stay financially sound so they can pay the claims they’re supposed to pay.

Causey notes that while traffic and claims were down, when accidents happen they can be more expensive because of the increased costs of replacement and repairs.

While there has been less driving over the last year, Causey says there continues to be issues with distracted driving, drunk driving and speeding.