What Is HLDI? Insurance Loss Data Explained
HLDI (the Highway Loss Data Institute) is a nonprofit funded by auto insurers that publishes real, aggregated insurance-loss statistics for nearly every U.S. make and model. Its indexes, collision, property damage, comprehensive, injury and medical, are scaled so 100 equals the average across all vehicles: a number above 100 means the model produces higher losses (and typically higher premiums) than average, below 100 means lower. HLDI data is affiliated with IIHS and is free to view at iihs.org.
The main HLDI indexes
- Collision, losses from crash damage to the insured vehicle.
- Property damage liability, damage the vehicle causes to other property.
- Comprehensive, theft, fire, weather and vandalism losses.
- Bodily injury liability, injuries the driver causes to others.
- Medical payments / PIP, injuries to the vehicle's occupants.
How to read the numbers
Each index is a relativity, 100 is the multi-year all-vehicles average.
Each index is a relativity, 100 is the multi-year all-vehicles average. A collision index of 88 means the model produces about 12% lower collision losses than the average U.S. vehicle. A comprehensive index of 160 means about 60% higher, often driven by theft or large-hail exposure. Both frequency (how often a claim happens) and severity (how much each claim pays) contribute.
Why it matters when you buy
HLDI results feed into carrier rating models.
HLDI results feed into carrier rating models. Two cars at similar prices can insure very differently: an inexpensive muscle car often shows high collision losses (frequency), while a luxury EV may show high comprehensive losses (severity from complex battery repair). Checking HLDI before buying tells you the likely direction of your premium, and can save more over five years than a small purchase-price difference.
Where to see the data, and its limits
HLDI publishes tables and technical bulletins at iihs.org/topics/insurance-losses-by-make-and-model, updated regularly.
HLDI publishes tables and technical bulletins at iihs.org/topics/insurance-losses-by-make-and-model, updated regularly. Limits to know: results are aggregated (individual driving still matters), grouped by vehicle series rather than exact trim, and reflect U.S. data, international results differ. Always pair HLDI with your own quote from a carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HLDI the same as IIHS?
They're affiliated nonprofits. IIHS runs crash tests and publishes safety ratings; HLDI compiles insurance loss statistics. Both are funded by insurers and published free at iihs.org.
What does an index of 100 mean?
100 is the multi-year average across all vehicles. Above 100 = higher-than-average losses; below 100 = lower.
Does a high HLDI number mean I'll definitely pay more?
Directionally yes, but your rate also depends on your driver profile, location, coverages, deductibles and carrier. HLDI shows the vehicle's contribution.
How often is HLDI updated?
Loss reports are updated periodically as new claim data comes in. Check the report date at the top of the table for the model years it covers.
Related Guides
- What Affects Your Car Insurance Premium
- Why Do Some Cars Cost More to Insure?
- What Are Insurance Symbols?
Sources: Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI, iihs.org) · IIHS methodology bulletins.