Search
 

Road rash: Why personal auto is a bit of a wreck

The degree of impact various factors have had on auto frequency and severity trends has caught many insurers off guard.

By Staff Editor | Updated on May 11, 2017

For those in the insurance industry and those who observe it, the reasons behind the poor results for personal auto in recent years are no mystery: more cars on the road driving more miles, higher medical costs, higher repair costs for newer vehicles and — while difficult to estimate its precise effect — distracted driving.

The degree of impact these factors have had on frequency and severity trends, however, has perhaps caught many insurers off guard. Jim Lynch, chief actuary and vice president of research and information services at the New York City-based Insurance Information Institute, says the industry enjoyed a long period of low claims frequency and mild severity. As the U.S. emerged from the Great Recession, claims frequency began to increase. Insurers reacted by raising rates, but then, more recently, severity spiked.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.