The national industry average for repair costs so far in 2013 (through Q3) have risen nearly 3 percent from the same period in 2012, an increase consistent with those seen annually before the recession, where repair costs rose between 1 and 3 percent annually between 1997 and 2007.
The numbers continue to build on the moderate increases seen year-over-year since mid-year 2009 when repair costs hit bottom.
Comprehensive losses have seen the largest increase in average costs over the last several years, followed by liability losses (see above). Erratic weather patterns are most to blame for the large increases in comprehensive losses; many of the major storms in the last several years have involved significant flooding and hail and strong winds, where vehicle owners are given little warning to move their vehicles to a safer location. For example, at mid-year 2012, the five costliest natural catastrophes globally were severe storm/tornadoes in the U.S. according to Munich Re.