LexisNexis® U.S. Auto Insurance Trends Report

Across the auto insurance landscape, risk signals are becoming more complex, even as the U.S. market softens. Shifts in driving behavior, affordability issues, shopping behavior, vehicle mix and claims outcomes put pressure on efforts to sustain profitability.

Our 2026 LexisNexis® U.S. Auto Insurance Trends Report calls out five key trends impacting the current market. Auto insurers who incorporate these trends into their long-term growth strategy should be better prepared for more profitable growth when the market shifts again.

At-a-Glance: Five Trends Shaping U.S. Auto Insurance in 2026

• Violations remain elevated, driven by rapid growth in distracted driving
• Insurance costs influence vehicle purchase decisions
• Consumers continue strong policy shopping activity
• Vehicle mix complexity expands risk variability
• Bodily injury costs dominate claims outcomes

After four consecutive years of U.S. auto insurance rate increases (2021–2024), many consumers reacted by changing their behaviors. Policy shopping hit record highs in 2025 and remains active. In fact, nearly half of in-force policies were shopped at least once in the past year, and not just among traditionally high-churn segments.

Let’s face it. The total cost of owning a vehicle has skyrocketed over the past few years. Loan amounts, loan durations and recent gas prices have all increased significantly for both new and used vehicles. According to our recent study, 56% of consumers say insurance is a key factor in vehicle purchase decisions.¹

Perhaps because of rising costs, drivers are keeping their cars longer. These older models don’t have many of the standard safety features found on newer models. As older models remain in circulation longer, the composition of vehicles on U.S. roads becomes more complex. Insurers need more granular data to more accurately assess and price these emerging transition risks.