The Northridge, California, earthquake of 1994 was the costliest earthquake in U.S. history in terms of insured losses.

Overview

Fire plays an important role in the life of a forest, clearing away dead wood and undergrowth to make way for younger trees. But for much of the last century, fire-suppression policies have sought to extinguish wildfires as quickly as possible to preserve timber and real estate. This approach has led to the accumulation of brush and other vegetation that is easily ignited and serves as fuel for wildfires.

Overview

Distracted driving remains a major roadway safety threat, involving behaviors such as talking or texting on mobile devices, eating, conversing with passengers, and other diversions while operating a vehicle.

The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving has emerged as one of the leading causes of distracted driving related crashes. However, research shows that many types of distracted driving may lead to crashes and near crashes.

How big is the distracted driving problem?

Overview

About 68 million U.S. households own dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024-2025 Pet Owners Survey. The American Veterinary Medical Association states there are nearly 90 million dogs living in U.S. households. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, most of them children.

Overview

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, causing billions in economic losses each year. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 90 percent of all natural disasters in the United States involve flooding.

Overview

Insurance is generally bought directly through an insurer or through independent agents and commercial brokers who provide access to the products of several insurers. Direct writers dominate auto and homeowners insurance sales, while commercial insurance is more commonly purchased through independent agents or brokers.

Insurance distribution channels and processes are being transformed by technology advances and market pressures such as changing buyer behavior; new products; consolidation; expense pressures; growth challenges; and new non-traditional entrants.

Overview

The term “catastrophe” in the property insurance industry denotes a natural or man-made disaster that is unusually severe. An event is designated a catastrophe by the industry when claims are expected to reach a certain dollar threshold, currently set at $25 million, and more than a certain number of policyholders and insurance companies are affected.

What are insurance scores? 

Insurance scores, which are also referred to as credit-based insurance scores, are ratings based fully or partially on a consumer's credit information. Insurers use credit information with other factors to help underwrite and price policies. These confidential ratings are typically used for personal lines such as homeowners and personal automobile insurance.