Much like we've observed in the Homeowners' market, Personal Auto in general has been seeing steady rate increases. However, while Homeowners is expected to achieve its third consecutive year of underwriting profits in 2015, Personal Auto has stubbornly remained at a combined ratio of just over 100 during that time.

Combined ratios in Personal Auto for publicly held insurers are slightly higher in 2015 versus the prior year, Fitch Ratings notes in its "2016 Outlook: U.S. Property/Casualty Insurance." For the industry in aggregate, the ratings agency adds, "Personal Auto statutory results were mired at a modest underwriting loss from 2010 to 2014 and are unlikely to materially change in 2016."

"Stronger underwriters like Progressive consistently hit their 96 combined ratio target, but the industry as a whole is not making money in Auto," Jim Auden, Fitch's managing director, tells National Underwriter Property & Casualty. While insurers are getting rate, Auden explains, that increase ends up offset by rising claims.