Research Publications

This report summarizes findings from initial quantitative and focus group research completed in 2000, and explores the issue of information sharing in context of the tradeoff between strict protection of consumer information and the benefits that result from allowing businesses to share customer information within and between companies.

The soaring loss costs in New York PIP claims have led many observers to seek explanations for the deteriorating performance of the no-fault system in the state. This report details the claiming behavior of claimants in New York and especially the New York City metropolitan area -- showing higher incidence of sprains and strains, higher use of some medical professionals and procedures, and higher rates of attorney involvement. This aggregate behavior suggests that fraud and buildup in auto injury claims may well be a factor in the recent New York experience.

This study is based upon bodily injury liability closed claim data from 1997. The report examines the nature and key characteristics of motor vehicle accidents and claimants with respect to four key areas: 1) the characteristics of the accident in terms of location, impact severity, number of vehicles involved, point of impact, police involvement and when the accident occurred; 2) the characteristics of the driver of the insured vehicle; 3) the characteristics of the insured vehicle; and 4) the characteristics of the claimant.

This third issue of the Insurance Research Council's Public Attitude Monitor 2000 (PAM) report analyzes the public's response to questions about cellular phones and driving and trucks and highway safety.