[tpmoney]

Aren't most insurance rates / rate ranges set by the states? And any further variance is down to the actuarial tables? It seems pretty reasonable that most of your quotes would be within a few dollars of each other because they're all insuring the same risk, in the same location, under the same legal framework.

[kirse]

Aren't most insurance rates / rate ranges set by the states? And any further variance is down to the actuarial tables?

If that's true, I certainly couldn't find a table on allowable rate ranges when I did some basic research on pricing and what factors influence it. Certainly open to being schooled on how auto insurance works.

[phonon]

It's all publically available.

Filings are done through the SERFF system.

So Google SERFF and say "NY". (which will take you to https://filingaccess.serff.com/sfa/home/NY )

Then search by carrier, line of business etc. You want "rate" filings. You will find a report by an actuary, lots of justification explaining price changes, correspondence between the company and regulators asking/answering questions, details on how the rate changes will affect current customers, etc.

SInce most rate filings are to adjust current in force rates, they don't always repeat all the underlying details. With a little more effort you can look up initial rate filings, and they will walk through methodologies in more detail.

Once those prices are filed, they are locked in (for consumer types of insurance). Companies can't deviate in any way. (including giving unauthorized discounts).

[kirse]

This is great and really well organized, thanks for sharing!