This edition's feature, "Total Losses Trending Downwards Since 2004," analyzes the clear decline in the amount of total-loss insurance claim estimates occurring over the past few years. 

 
Based on findings from a recent Mitchell analysis of total loss estimates, the article reveals that shifts in vehicle mix -- including both vehicle types and origins -- and the significant differences in total-loss rates between those vehicle categories have contributed to driving the downward trend in total-loss claims.

"This study revealed a considerable amount of information surrounding the significant impact that vehicle mix and differences in loss rates between vehicle categories have on declining total losses," said Jamison Day, senior director of Information Solutions at Mitchell International. 

 
"For example," Day said, "we found that the growth of trucks and Asian nameplate vehicles alike have had a compelling effect since they have generally lower total-loss rates than cars and domestic nameplate vehicles."

Other points of interest in the current issue of the ITR include:
• At $13,649, the average actual cash value of vehicles appraised for collision losses during Q4-2007 was $331 more than in Q4-2006 and also reflected the presence of slightly older vehicles.

• The U.S. passenger car population is now the oldest on the road in our history, with the Truck/Van/SUV category driving overall average age and value of the total vehicle population.