It is no secret that consumers want choice and convenience whenshopping for car insurance. Whether they work through a local agentor directly with a company, many prefer to obtain multiple quotesand options to ensure they are getting the best value.

It appears when it comes to auto insurance specifically, thedecision to initiate the process online has already been decided.Mirroring trends in other industries, recent statistics show that alarge number of consumers begin their search for insurance online.However, all these shoppers are not necessarily buying online -many consumers still prefer to speak with a local agent or directlyto the insurer before closing on their purchase.

As consumers have turned to the internet for more informationand/or obtain quotes on auto insurance, comparison shopping siteshave become increasingly important. Most online comparison shoppingsites remain oriented toward auto insurance but there are someindications we will see an increase of activity in homeowners andpossibly small business – although both are still relativelysmall.