Data Sources & Methodology

PolicyPath is committed to providing accurate, well-sourced insurance information. This page explains where our data comes from, how we process it, and the limitations you should be aware of.

Our Data Sources

Auto Insurance Data

Methodology: Auto insurance averages represent full-coverage policies (100/300/100 liability limits + comprehensive + collision with $500 deductible). These are averages across all age groups, driving records, and vehicle types within each state.

Health Insurance Data

Methodology: Health insurance figures represent the second-lowest-cost Silver plan (ACA benchmark) for a 40-year-old non-smoker, before premium tax credits. Most enrollees pay significantly less after subsidies. Family plan costs vary based on household size and ages.

Home Insurance Data

Methodology: Home insurance averages are based on HO-3 policies for a $300,000 dwelling with standard deductibles. Actual costs vary significantly based on home age, construction type, location-specific risks (flood zones, wildfire areas), and coverage options.

Life Insurance Data

Methodology: Life insurance estimates use published rate tables for preferred health classifications. Actual premiums depend heavily on individual health history, lifestyle factors, and underwriting decisions.

How We Calculate Averages

State Averages

Our state-by-state figures represent arithmetic means across all policyholders in that state, as reported by regulatory sources. These averages include:

• All age groups and demographics
• Urban and rural areas combined
• Various coverage levels (weighted by market share)
• All insurance carriers operating in the state

National Averages

National averages are calculated as population-weighted means of state averages, reflecting the distribution of policyholders across states.

“vs. National Average” Percentages

The comparison percentages show how much higher or lower a state’s average is compared to the national average:

1vs. Average = ((State Average - National Average) / National Average) × 100%

A value of “+15%” means the state average is 15% higher than national; “-20%” means 20% lower.

Data Freshness & Updates

We review and update our data:

• Annually for most insurance metrics (typically Q1 when new industry data is released)
• After Open Enrollment for ACA/health insurance data
• As needed when significant regulatory changes occur

Each page displaying data includes a “Last Updated” notation.

Limitations & Caveats

What Our Data Shows

Our figures represent state averages intended for comparison and general guidance. They help you understand:

• How your state compares to others
• General price ranges for different insurance types
• Factors that influence insurance costs

What Our Data Doesn’t Show

• Your specific premium: Individual rates depend on personal factors (age, health, driving record, credit score, claims history) that averages can’t capture
• Available discounts: Multi-policy bundles, safe driver discounts, and other savings aren’t reflected in averages
• Exact quotes: Only an insurance carrier can provide binding premium quotes

Variance Within States

Within any state, actual premiums can vary dramatically:

• Age: A 20-year-old driver typically pays 2-3x more than a 40-year-old
• Location: Urban areas often cost 20-50% more than rural areas
• Risk factors: High-risk professions, health conditions, or claims history increase costs
• Coverage choices: Deductible and limit selections significantly affect premiums

Data Lag

Insurance data has inherent reporting delays:

• Rate filings are typically 6-12 months behind current market conditions
• Annual reports reflect the previous year’s data
• Regulatory data may not capture recent market changes

Data Access & Licensing

JSON Data Endpoint

Our insurance metrics are available in machine-readable format:

Endpoint: /data/insurance-metrics.json

This data powers our interactive map and comparison tools.

License

PolicyPath data compilations are available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

You may:

• Share and redistribute the data
• Adapt and build upon the data
• Use for commercial purposes

You must:

• Provide attribution to PolicyPath
• Indicate if changes were made
• Not add restrictions that prevent others from using the data

Citation Format

When citing PolicyPath data:

PolicyPath. “Insurance Cost Metrics by State.” PolicyPath.com, December 2025, https://policypath.pages.dev/resources/methodology/

Questions About Our Data?

If you have questions about our methodology, find an error, or want to suggest a data source, please contact us.

We’re committed to accuracy and transparency. If you’re a researcher, journalist, or analyst using our data, we’re happy to provide additional context or clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our data sources and methodology answered below.

This methodology page was last reviewed: December 2025