The cost of auto insurance can be affected by the vehicle's cost and crashworthiness (the degree to which it can protect occupants from the effects of an accident) and by the driver's safety habits. Insurers support raising awareness about safe driving practices, such as seatbelt usage and avoiding driving while under the influence of alcohol. These initiatives reinforce public safety and help to reduce costs for policyholders and insurers.

Sports injuries

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2022 exercise equipment accounted for an estimated 445,642 injuries, the most in any sports and recreation category.

Life insurance ownership

Flood damage is excluded under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. However, flood coverage is available as a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and from many private insurers. Industry observers note that many properties that should have flood coverage do not.

According to the National Weather Service, there were 19 direct lightning fatalities in 2022, compared to 11 in 2021. On average, from 2013 to 2022, 23 people die each year from lightning strikes in the United States.

Pet insurance

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, (NAPHIA), pet insurance has existed outside the U.S. since the early 1900’s. Lassie, the famous TV collie, received the first pet insurance policy issued in the U.S. in 1982.

Life insurance distribution channels

Life insurance was once sold primarily by career life agents, also known as captive agents, representing a single insurance company, and by independent agents, representing several insurers. Now, life insurance is sold directly to the public by mail, telephone, and the Internet. Independent insurance agents have the largest share of the market, followed by affiliated agents.

Winter storms caused nearly $6 billion in insured losses in 2022, the second-highest year on record for winter storm insured losses in the last ten years, according to Aon. The third costliest winter event since 1950 occurred in December 2022, amounting to $3.5 billion insured losses. Winter storms include snow, ice, freezing and flooding.

2022 natural catastrophes

Aon defines a catastrophe as a natural event that causes any of the following:

• $25 million or more in insured property losses
• ten deaths
• 50 people injured
• 2,000 filed claims or homes and structures damaged.

Aon’s natural catastrophe estimates include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and include losses sustained by private insurers and government-sponsored programs such as the National Flood Insurance Program. They are subject to change as loss estimates are further developed.