The bottom line is that insurers have been facing rising costs in the form of more claims than they expected. Accidents (sometimes fatal ones) due to texting while driving are one problem, along with the general distraction of smartphones. An improving economy and lower fuel costs have led to more driving, which also increases the number of accidents. [...] online services can help drivers zero in on affordable policies. Shares of global footwear and apparel giant Nike NYSE: (Nike already gets more than half of its sales from outside North America.) But Nike's strengths include consumer brand loyalty. With a slightly depressed stock and a dividend yielding 1.3 percent, Nike is a promising long-term investment.