P&C Insurance July CPI Auto Insurance Pricing Remains Strong； Digital Ad Spend Continues to Rise

Industry Overview - Auto insurance CPI increased by 18.6% year-over-year (y/y) and 0.9% sequentially in July 2024 [1][3] - Used car prices declined by 10.9% y/y in July 2024, accelerating from -10.1% in June and -9.3% in May [4] - Auto repair cost inflation moderated to +3.4% y/y in July from +6.7% in June and +9.5% in May [4] - Medical care services inflation remained elevated at +3.3% y/y in July, consistent with June and May levels [4] Digital Advertising Trends - Digital ad spend has been trending higher, with increases observed at ALL, PGR, State Farm, and USAA, while GEICO and ROOT saw declines on a month-over-month (m/m) basis [4][17] - GEICO's digital ad spend declined y/y in June but remains up y/y for Q2 2024 [4] - PGR is increasing ad spend to drive new business, particularly in the direct distribution personal auto insurance market where GEICO is its biggest competitor [4][17] Company Performance and Outlook - Personal auto insurance margins are expected to improve throughout 2024 due to rate increases and stable to moderating loss cost inflation trends [3] - ALL and KMPR are top picks in personal lines, with expectations of improving margins and upward estimate revisions [7] - PGR is expected to gain market share in the near term by loosening underwriting restrictions faster than competitors, though growth may slow in H2 2024 due to increased competitive pressures [7] Historical Data and Trends - The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index shows used car prices down 4.8% y/y in July 2024, decelerating from -8.8% in June and -12.1% in May [10] - From 2008-2019, the Manheim Index grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +2.5% [10] - Hospital services inflation was +6.1% y/y in July, down from +6.9% in June and +7.2% in May [4]