Research Publications

Fraud and Buildup in New York Auto Injury Insurance Claims

This IRC study examines regional differences in New York’s auto injury claims using data from 2002 and prior years. The study shows several aspects of claiming behavior in which New York City area claimants were different from upstate claimants, including frequencies of the presence of fraud and buildup indicators.

Fraud and Buildup in New York Auto Injury Insurance Claims

This IRC study examines regional differences in New York’s auto injury claims using data from 2002 and prior years. The study shows several aspects of claiming behavior in which New York City area claimants were different from upstate claimants, including frequencies of the presence of fraud and buildup indicators.

Public Attitude Monitor 2005 - Issue 2

This second issue of the Insurance Research Council’s Public Attitude Monitor 2005 (PAM) examines the public's understanding of the relationship between a deductible and premium. Findings show that more than four in ten Americans who have a homeowners policy do not understand one of the fundamental principles of insurance, specifically that when a deductible increases the amount of the premium decreases. The report also indicates that most Americans find it easy to obtain homeowners insurance that meets their needs and is affordable. Filing a claim within the past five years has a small to negligible effect on the percentage of homeowners who find it easy to obtain insurance.

Fraud and Buildup in California Auto Injury Insurance Claims

As part of the IRC’s 2002 auto injury study, file reviewers assessed claims for the presence of indicators of fraud and buildup. This report examines the prevalence of these indicators among California auto injury claims compared to national patterns. Also, fraud and buildup patterns in Los Angeles are compared to those found in the rest of the state.

Analysis of Auto Injury Insurance Claims From Two Choice States

The third report in an IRC series focusing on auto injury claims in states with similar insurance regulations, this report analyzes BI and PIP claims in two choice states: New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The analysis of injury claims uncovers differences between the two states and also shows differences within each state based on claimants’ choice of no-fault or full tort insurance.

Public Attitude Monitor 2005 - Issue 1

This first issue of the Insurance Research Council’s Public Attitude Monitor 2005 (PAM) examines public perceptions of the profitability of homeowners insurance. Findings show that the public substantially overestimates insurers’ profits and underestimates the cost of paying claims. The public’s estimates are remarkably consistent across subgroups and geographic areas and have not changed since last assessed in 1998.

Analysis of Auto Injury Insurance Claims From Four Tort State

Auto injury claimants from four states seek different types of medical treatment, even though they report similar injuries. A new study of insurance claims by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) examined auto injury claiming behavior in California, Illinois, Texas, and Washington. Comparing auto injury claims from these four tort states, IRC finds that California claimants go to chiropractors most often, Illinois claimants are most likely to see an emergency room physician, and Washington claimants are most likely to go to general practitioners, as well as alternative medical providers, such as massage therapists. From 1997 to 2002, per-claimant medical expenses increased the most in Texas, compared with the other three states.

Trends in Auto Injury Claims, 2004 Edition

This report documents changes in auto accident and injury claim rates for the nation and each state from 1980 through 2003 under separate auto insurance coverages. The study also examines total injury claim costs for the country and each state from 1987 through 2001.

Fraud and Buildup in Auto Injury Insurance Claims, 2004 Edition

The Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates in a new report that fraud and buildup added between $4.3 and $5.8 billion to auto injury settlements in 2002, which represents between 11 and 15 percent of all dollars paid for private passenger auto injury insurance claims in that year. This estimate is somewhat lower than in an IRC study of claims paid in 1992. In the previous study, the IRC found that fraud and buildup added between 17 and 20 percent of total claim dollars paid in 1992.

Fraud and Buildup in Auto Injury Insurance Claims, 2004 Edition

The Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates in a new report that fraud and buildup added between $4.3 and $5.8 billion to auto injury settlements in 2002, which represents between 11 and 15 percent of all dollars paid for private passenger auto injury insurance claims in that year. This estimate is somewhat lower than in an IRC study of claims paid in 1992. In the previous study, the IRC found that fraud and buildup added between 17 and 20 percent of total claim dollars paid in 1992.