US information exchange MarketScout has begun monitoring personal lines premiums and coverage terms.

The firm found that in February the composite premium for personal lines rose 2%. This includes homes, automobiles and personal articles such as jewellery and paintings.

MarketScout has until now covered only commercial insurance but CEO Richard Kerr says it has begun tracking personal lines by class of business, location and coverage requirements.

The first survey found that premiums on homes valued at over $US1 million ($950,000) rose by 1%, while homes valued below that rose by 2%.

Auto premiums rose by 2% while personal effects cover rose on average by 1%.