Average U.S. car insurance rates soared 8.5% over the 9-month period from February to October 2008, according to data from RateWatch.
Many consumers face much higher renewal rate increases for their auto insurance. For example, one married office manager from Cleveland recently reported that her annual rate skyrocketed by 86% from US$700 to $1,300 despite an impeccable driving record.
Excessive premium increases have galvanized many drivers to search online for lower-costing car insurance. While thousands of Internet sites offer free car insurance quotes, limited information is available about the web portals that propose new rates to applicants.