Insurance.com Introduces RateWidget for Car Insurance

CLEVELAND--Too busy to save money? A new tool from Insurance.com, the online resource for insurance information and comparison shopping, can help consumers save on car insurance – and it only takes 10 seconds to use. Insurance.com’s new RateWidget tool is available on its website and gives consumers instant information about the range of car insurance rates recently quoted to drivers with similar profiles in their geographic area.

“We understand that people are busier than ever, and stopping to find objective, up-to-date information about insurance – and shopping for new rates – doesn’t always make it to the top of the list,” said Steve Chiles, Chief Marketing Officer at Insurance.com. “But insurance rates change frequently and those changes mean you can save money if you’re resourceful. Our new RateWidget can help consumers instantly understand how their own insurance rates stack up and decide if it’s time to shop.”

RateWidget delivers objective, practical information that’s backed by Insurance.com’s expansive database of rate quotes provided to consumers from more than a dozen of the country’s leading insurance companies. Because its data is refreshed daily, RateWidget provides the most up-to-date consumer comparison information in the marketplace.

To use RateWidget, drivers simply enter their zip code, number of cars and number of drivers, and it instantly displays the lowest and highest quotes, as well as the average of all quotes given to drivers with similar profiles in the last three months. In about 10 seconds consumers see a full range of rates in their area, giving them the information they need to decide if shopping for a new policy makes sense.

“If you’ve ever wondered whether your neighbors are paying less for car insurance than you are, this tool’s for you,” said Chiles. “It can also provide great information if you’re thinking about moving out of state. For example, RateWidget data from January shows that a move from Ohio to Florida could mean your annual car insurance premiums will increase more than 50% - from an average of $1,325 a year in Ohio to $2,062 in Florida! While higher rates might not halt your moving plans, the information can certainly help your budgeting process.”

Insurance.com also reports national trends in insurance rates. Its most recent RateWatch report found that car insurance rates held steady in January following a record 8% increase across the nation in 2008. Rates vary greatly according to state. To see the range for rates in your area and try the RateWidget, please visit www.insurance.com

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, make the smartest decisions for their insurance needs and buy a policy online or by phone. 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.