One out of four drivers thinks that their auto insurance ratesare based on car color, according to a survey that found a highrate of confusion concerning what policies cover.

The findings were reported by Progressive after an online surveyof 1,000 drivers conducted by Drive Insurance.

Among the respondents, 25 percent believed that the vehicle'spaint shade affects their auto insurance rate. Progressive noted itis the vehicle's year, make, model, body type and engine size aswell as information about the driver that determines the rate.

The definition of comprehensive coverage also baffled thosesurveyed as 48 percent believed that comprehensive coverageprotects them in all situations.

Comprehensive coverage pays only for damage caused by an eventother than a collision. Examples such as fire, theft or vandalismwould apply as well as weather-related damages, Progressivesaid.

Other situations where comprehensive coverage applies includedamage caused if a vehicle collides with an animal or provision fora rental car when a vehicle is stolen.

Rick Crawley, product development general manager for DriveInsurance, said the lack of insurance knowledge is due toindividuals not placing insurance on a higher priority and spending"more time thinking about the features on their car rather than itsinsurance coverage."

Sixty percent of those surveyed mistakenly think rates go downdrastically when a driver turns 25, according to the survey.

Mr. Crawley said that rates do go down as individuals becomeolder but that companies require additional data concerning thedriver's history. If an individual makes a change such as moving toanother state or purchasing a new car, then rates can increase.

A prior survey by Progressive of 2,000 drivers, half teens andthe other half adults, revealed that 2 percent of the teensbelieved that age was not a factor compared to 9 percent ofadults.