Data for the report was compiled from the National Association of Independent Insurers, the Insurance Services Office, the National Independent Statistical Service and the American Association of Insurance Services, as well as state insurance offices.

According to the report:

• In 2001, the nationwide average expenditure was $718, an increase of 4.57 percent from the previous year.

• High-premium states tend to be highly urban, with high wage and price levels and high traffic density, all of which contribute to higher costs. Thus, results from states that are more urban and populous cannot be directly compared to results from more rural states.

• Eighteen states and the District of Columbia had an average expenditure greater than the national average, while 32 states fell below the national average.

The report was compiled by the NAIC’s Statistical Information Task Force and can be purchased by calling the NAIC’s Publications Department at (816) 783-8300.

The NAIC is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. The association’s overriding objective is to assist state insurance regulators in protecting consumers and helping maintain the financial stability of the insurance industry by offering financial, actuarial, legal, computer, research, market conduct and economic expertise. Formed in 1871, it is the oldest association of state officials.