1. U.S. Auto Insurance Frequency and Severity Trends: Communications Strategy and Message Points
Insurance Information Institute
Auto Insurance Issues Subcommittee
August 10, 2016, Washington, D.C.
Michael Barry, VP, Media Relations
Jeanne M. Salvatore, SVP, Public Affairs and Chief Communications Officer
Insurance Information Institute  110 William Street  New York, NY 10038

2. Goals, Tactics and Key Messages
Auto Insurance Trends
Goals, Tactics and Key Messages

3. Auto Insurance Trends Goals
Drive the discussion of why auto insurance costs are rising.
Provide resources to insurers, policymakers and drivers.
Work with both traditional and social media to explain why auto costs are rising.
Educate consumers about why costs are rising and what they can do to save money

4. Auto Insurance Trends Tactics
Promote results of an I.I.I. white paper on auto insurance cost drivers.
Frame the discussion about why auto insurance costs are going up.
Eliminate words like “rates” or “premiums” from I.I.I. communications.
Make I.I.I. spokespeople available for policymaker briefings.
Field media calls for I.I.I. member companies, state and national advocacy trades as needed.
Coordinate response with state and national advocacy trades so the industry speaks with one voice.

5. Auto Insurance Trends Tactics
Promote I.I.I. consumer information on how auto rates are set to explain how a person’s choices such as the car they drive impacts insurance costs.
Empower consumers with information on how to shop for, and save money on auto insurance.
Draft and post online a consumer article titled, “I did not have an accident, why did my rates go up?”
Communicate the industry’s commitment to auto and highway safety such as their initiatives to curb distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving and other hazardous behaviors.

6. Auto Insurance Trends Key Messages More Congested Roads
Auto accidents are increasing in both frequency and severity.
More people are driving because more people are working which means there are more drivers commuting and taking vacations.
The number of fatal U.S. auto accidents increased 8 percent in compared to 2014.
People are driving faster due to higher speed limits.

7. Auto Insurance Trends Auto insurance payouts are increasing.
Key Messages
Costlier Claims
Auto insurance payouts are increasing.
People are driving more expensive cars, which are costlier to repair.
Medical, litigation costs are also on the rise.

8. Consumers have many choices
Auto Insurance Trends
Key Messages
Consumers have many choices
Auto insurance is a competitive business so drivers have many auto insurers to choose from.
There are many things that a consumer can do to save money such as taking a higher deductible, maintaining good credit and taking advantage of every available discount.
Drivers should think about the cost of insurance when selecting a car.

9. Discussion
Next Steps