Time to Shop! Car Insurance Rates Remain at Record Lows

CLEVELAND, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance.com officials are stressing the importance of shopping and comparing car insurance quotes soon – maybe even before it's too late, since the average cost for car insurance rose only $7 in April to $1,812.

"Drivers have every reason in the world to shop and compare car insurance rates right now. We're still near record low premiums, the average driver shopping for comparison quotes at insurance.com saved $526 last month, and there's no telling whether rates will continue to rise – and if they do, how dramatically," says Sam Belden, vice president, insurance.com. "If drivers are thinking about switching companies, it's time to stop thinking. Shop, compare quotes and save some serious cash."

The lowest average annual auto insurance rate increased nationally in April, from $1,805 to $1,812. By comparison, the average premium in April 2008 was $1,893 and the average premium in April 2009 was $1,872.

The lowest average annual rate in insurance.com's RateWatch for Car Insurance's history was $1,803, recorded in November 2009.

Top 3 Tips to Remember when Comparing Car Insurance Quotes

• Accurate info = accurate quotes. Before you get car insurance comparison quotes, gather all the information you need: driver's license, vehicle year, make and model, current policy details, and all your driving record – for the last three years. The more accurate you are, the more accurate your quotes will be.
• Ask about discounts. Know what discounts you have today and think about which discounts might help you save even more – discounts like low mileage, hybrid, safe driver, good student and more. If you're not getting a discount from your current carrier, look for companies that cater to you and match discounts to your lifestyle.
• Shop online to save time. At insurance.com, drivers fill out one form - one time - to receive up to four car insurance comparison quotes from more than a dozen top-rated companies. It's a process that could take hours if a driver went to each carrier individually. In less than 10 minutes, drivers can find a policy that fits them best – and possibly save them hundreds of dollars.

ABOUT INSURANCE.COM

Insurance.com is the leading online independent auto insurance agency in the United States. Our innovative technology allows consumers to link directly to the rating systems of more than a dozen top insurance companies. We streamline the shopping process for consumers, empowering them to instantly compare rates and make the smartest decisions for their insurance needs.  Since 2000, millions of drivers have benefited from using our online shopping experience or speaking with our expert, licensed agents by phone. Headquartered in Solon, Ohio on the outskirts of Cleveland, insurance.com also offers information for life, health and home insurance.

SOURCE Insurance.com