Day before Thanksgiving is big for insurance claims

When you hit the road Wednesday, tow truck drivers and insurance claim reps will be getting ready for a big day. In Illinois last year, the frequency of insurance claims rose 38 percent between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. on the day before Thanksgiving — Black Wednesday — compared with a typical Wednesday, according to an analysis by Progressive Insurance. While millions will drive to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family, it’s a big party night once they arrive. Some of that contributes nationally to increases of 24 percent in parking and rear end claims, 17 percent in vehicle collision claims and 14 percent in property damage claims.