Membership
Why become a member?
IIHS-HLDI’s mission is to reduce deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals.
This work is made possible only through the generous financial support of our insurance industry members. We count more than 100 insurance companies among our supporters. These companies write 94% of the private passenger auto liability premiums in the U.S. Since 2015, IIHS has welcomed Canadian companies, and three of the top 10 vehicle insurers in Canada are now members.
By joining IIHS-HLDI, your company will be contributing to the critical work we do to make roads safer for the customers that you serve. In addition, our member companies have access to the resources that we use to conduct our research. These include:
- Industry-wide loss data representing most of the U.S. private passenger auto market
- VIN decoders that cover a variety of vehicle types and come in a variety of implementations
- Vehicle specifications and features beginning with model year 1981
- A members-only website providing access to the above resources, as well as recall information and HLDI research
The scientists and engineers of IIHS-HLDI also stand ready to share their knowledge of crash protection, driver behavior, and timely safety issues such as vehicle automation and the rise of electric vehicles. The conference facilities at our state-of-the-art Vehicle Research Center, located in the scenic foothills of central Virginia, are available for your company’s use. Finally, our communications professionals can assist you in bringing important safety information to your customers.
Once you join, your company will be listed on our website, in our publications, and on the member display walls at the Vehicle Research Center and in our Arlington office. We'll provide you with a digital badge that you can use to show your pride in your membership. Members also receive physical awards recognizing milestone years in their support for IIHS-HLDI.
Resources available to member companies
Loss data
Our member companies have access to the data we use to produce our analyses. Our loss database includes coverage and claims data provided to us by a sub-group of our member companies that represent approximately 85% of U.S. private passenger auto liability premiums.
Data are available from the six major coverage types for private passenger auto and motorcycle insurance — collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, medical payments, property damage liability and bodily injury liability. The dataset includes exposure, limits, deductibles, garaging locations and rated driver information.
HLDI data availability for all coverage types, 1981-2024 calendar years
VIN decoding
Members can use our extensive trove of data and our proprietary software to determine a vehicle’s model year, make, series and other detailed information based on its vehicle identification number (VIN). Our VIN decoders cover automobiles, motorcycles, off-road machines, big rigs, commercial trailers and travel trailers. The content and structure of vehicle information numbers were standardized for model year 1981. Most of our VIN decoding resources begin with model year 1981. Our VIN decoding solutions are available in several implementations. Companies can integrate flat files, XML services or software into their own systems. These data can also be accessed through our member website.
Vehicle information
We have an extensive database of vehicle specifications and features. The features dataset includes the latest technologies such as automated driving systems and advanced driver assistance systems. It also includes things that are associated with insurance discounts like airbags and anti-theft devices. This is available for every make and series of vehicle from model year 1981 to today. Beginning with model year 2017, this information is also available at the more granular engine level.
Members-only website: iihs-hldi.org
Our exclusive members-only website offers a quick view into our loss data, vehicle information and VIN decoding. Additionally, users can access detailed vehicle profiles, HLDI research, recall information and bumper test reports.
Vehicle profiles
HLDI’s extensive database of vehicle information includes profiles for nearly every passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. from model year 2011 through the current model year. Each summary includes weight, wheelbase, overall length, overall width and base price, as well as availability of advanced occupant protection features, crash avoidance features and antitheft features.
HLDI research
HLDI’s researchers have used the size and timeliness of its loss database to conduct ground-breaking research. Some of these studies were the first to use real-world data to evaluate topics such as advanced driver assistance systems, motorcycle ABS, hand-held cellphone use, texting and recreational marijuana legalization. HLDI continually produces new research that builds on prior work to expand its body of knowledge and break new ground.
Each year, HLDI compiles loss data for passenger vehicles and motorcycles into standard reports that detail claim frequency, severity and overall losses for the latest vehicles under various coverage types. Some insurers use these reports to provide guidance to insurance customers about the impact of vehicle choice on insurance costs.
All of HLDI’s research is available in an archive dating back more than 15 years that can be accessed on the members-only website.
Recall information
HLDI receives vehicle recall information from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Searches can be done for a specific vehicle or by entering a NHTSA campaign number. Noncrash fire recalls can also be searched by calendar year.
In addition, when VINs are decoded, users are notified if there are recalls associated with the decoded vehicle series. Recalls that could result in a noncrash fire loss are highlighted. Some insurers find this information useful for subrogation.
Bumper test reports
Bumper test reports reflect the findings of all IIHS low-speed damageability tests, which were conducted from 1992 to 2010. Reports include photos of damage, as well as damage estimates for each tested vehicle. This allows insurers to validate reported damage with lab tests of the same vehicle to better understand the validity of a reported claim. The test reports are especially useful when claimed injuries do not appear consistent with physical vehicle damage.
Hold your event at the VRC
IIHS-HLDI members are invited to host company events at our Virginia research facility. We have a variety of meeting spaces for conferences and smaller meetings. While you’re here, you and your team can view a crash test and get a behind-the-scenes look at our vehicle research program, even getting behind the wheel to experience the latest crash avoidance technology.
While visits to the VRC are currently on hold, we look forward to welcoming members for events as soon as in-person gatherings are safe again.
Helping with your media needs
Member companies can use our video content and social media graphics — both of which can be cobranded with your logo.
Our communications team is happy to partner with you on a safety-related news release or point you to the information you need to craft your own.
The IIHS Application Programming Interface (API) allows you to seamlessly incorporate IIHS vehicle ratings, as well as crash test photos and videos, into your own website or apps. Web developers and application engineers can register for an account to use the API.
We keep you informed
Membership allows you to stay current with the latest highway safety research through webinars and a monthly email newsletter.
Webinar series
Our webinar series is an exclusive benefit for employees of member companies. Some recent topics have included the safety implications of partial automation and the impact of speed on crash and injury risk.
Member briefing
Our email newsletter provides a snapshot of our recent research, testing and educational work. We invite all members to subscribe.
Social media
Engage with us and find a wealth of safety-related content on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube platforms.
How your membership contributions are assessed
Members of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are assessed each calendar year in proportion to their direct written premiums in the United States or Canada, whichever is higher, for automobile injury liability and property damage liability. Each member contributes a pro rata share of the IIHS-HLDI annual budget based on its premiums compared with the total premium base of all member companies. Thus, the more members IIHS-HLDI has, the lower the assessments are for each member company.
Because the Institute is recognized as a nonprofit research and educational organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and does not engage in lobbying, contributions to the Institute may be tax-deductible. Please consult your own accountants and/or attorneys to determine if your company can deduct Institute assessments.
Phased-in assessments for first-time members
To encourage new supporters, the IIHS Board of Directors has created a five-year phase-in plan for first-time members beginning with 20% of the full assessment the first year, then adding 20% more each year until reaching 100% by the fifth year. However, a member’s annual assessment will never be lower than the minimum established by the IIHS Board.
Contact us
Matt Moore
Chief Insurance Operations Officer, IIHS-HLDI
Kay Wakeman
Director of Insurance Outreach, IIHS-HLDI