Founded in 1977, the Insurance Research Council (IRC) is an independent, nonprofit research organization supported by leading property and casualty insurance companies and associations. It provides timely and reliable information based on extensive data collection and analyses, examining important public policy matters that affect insurers, customers, and the general public. IRC is devoted solely to research and the communication of its research findings. It does not, however, advocate public policy; nor does it directly influence specific legislative initiatives or engage in lobbying communications.
IRC takes justifiable pride in raising the level and quality of the debate about insurance matters, both nationally and at the state level. IRC's research is highly regarded for its quality and its relevance to important public policy discussions. In keeping with the IRC's goal to broaden the horizon of debate on important public policy issues, the results of its work products are used by a variety of organizations with whom it cooperates, and are widely publicized through the media.
Yet the real value of IRC research transcends public education and understanding of insurance. The body of work that IRC produces has been useful in advancing the insurance industry's views on a host of matters crucial to insurance companies and their policyholders, and to business owners and their employees. The insurance industry has come to rely upon the IRC for critically needed property-casualty studies that are not ordinarily undertaken by other research organizations. IRC reports are widely distributed to assist insurers and the general public in reaching sound decisions on legislative and regulatory issues. Its major studies each year provide facts pertaining to key industry challenges. Policy makers and opinion leaders can view its reports as objective guides to understanding issues.
