While auto insurance rates continued a three-year decline in 2007, homeowner insurance rates picked up again, according to figures released Monday by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

The Insurance Department said average rates from the 10 largest auto insurers in Ohio dropped 2.6 percent last year, versus declines of 1.6 percent and 1 percent in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Meanwhile, rates for Ohio's top 10 homeowner insurers increased 1.5 percent in 2007, up from a 0.7 percent drop in the year before and a 0.4 percent increase in 2005.

Ohio's auto insurance rates are the 13th lowest in the country, up from 14th a year ago, according to recent figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Ohio ranked 6th for lowest homeowners insurance average premiums, up one slot from last year.

Lower premiums on auto insurance results from a competitive marketplace in the state, said Jarrett Dunbar,, a department spokesman. Dunbar attributed the increased costs of building and materials and a hike in weather-related claims to higher homeowner insurance premiums.

The state insurance department said average auto insurance rates will likely increase slightly this year because of more cars on the road and due to increasing medical and repair costs. Homeowners insurance rates will probably increase in greater percentages, the department said.

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