The new numbers are in for the Consumer Price Index.  In a head to head comparison of Car Insurance rates and Auto Body repair, the graph trending shows an uptick continuing in the cost of both.  This graph we included shows all of 2007 up to July 2008.

—

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aug 14, 2008

How many times do auto claims involve a vehicle crashing into someone’s property (ie. garage, landscape, or fence). Our analysts ran the numbers and we found out the following for 2008 thus far.

A.     15 out of every 1000 claims resulted in a fixed property loss. ( 1.5 out of every 100 claims).

B.      The average severity of fixed property losses is currently $2921.27.  While the extent and type of every fixed property claim can vary greatly, the overall severity figure can assist help claims executives in reserve allocation planning.

Data source:  © 2008, AutoClaims Direct, DirectLink

I’ve seen it lately and you might have as well…. Scooters are popping up seemingly everywhere. According to manufacturers, sales are up 24%. Many can’t keep pace with demand. People who you would never think are hopping on Vespas and other moped type vehicles in an effort to save money on gas. In a recent article quoting studies from the NHTSA, in 2006 Motorcycle related deaths nearly doubled. Even locally in the southern California region, accidents involving scooters are increasing including a recent death in which a rider lost control and hit a telephone pole. Many people who aren’t used to riding motorcycles, scooters and even bicycles don’t realize that that balance and awareness are essential. Riding can be much more physically demanding than sitting in an automobile. With the recent growth in motorcycle and scooter sales are insurers in for more severe injury claims? We hope not. For those riding out there, be safe and take good precautions. 

Here’s an article regarding the growth in Scooter use and the dangers.