Staying at home and closing nonessential businesses during the COVID-19 crisis has resulted in one major benefit for people who still need to drive their vehicles: fewer cars on the road.

But the question is: Will the decrease in vehicle use ultimately result in lower auto losses for insurers?

The question comes down to two ways we measure losses: frequency and severity. Fewer cars on the road will likely mean fewer accidents and claims, leading to a decrease in frequency.

But fewer cars may also have some offsetting severity-related effects.