Kanetix.ca study results highlight how more quotes and more choice result in more savings; auto insurance rates on the decline

TORONTO, January 13, 2010 - Today, Kanetix® (www.kanetix.ca), Canada's online marketplace for insurance quotes and mortgage rates, released the results of its Quebec quarterly car insurance premium study. The study identified a 9.8 per cent average decrease in the lowest auto insurance rates quoted on Kanetix in Q4 2009 compared to Q4 2008. For those Quebec drivers who shopped for car insurance on Kanetix during the last few months, it means they saw quotes that were on average about $127 lower than the previous year.

Two important changes contributed to the lower Quebec car insurance rates quoted through Kanetix: 1) the addition of a competitively priced Quebec car insurance provider with great rates for good drivers and 2) the introduction of preferred rates to drivers that are eligible for a group discount. Combined, these two additions offer Quebec drivers more quotes and more choice resulting in more opportunity to save money.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer more auto insurance choices and discounts to consumers in Quebec," says George Small, Co-founder of Kanetix Ltd. "That's why it is so important for consumers to shop for insurance at least once a year. Not only will they benefit from enhancements designed to help them save money, but it gives them an opportunity to review their coverages, explore all of the discount options available to them and see if there is a better rate available."

As an online auto insurance shopping service that provides real-time quotes from many well-known competing insurers, Kanetix makes it easy for drivers to shop around. Too often people assume that competing insurers offer the same rates; when, in fact, rates can vary wildly between providers. No two companies are the same and the company with the lowest rate when a policy was first purchased may not be the company with the lowest rate today.

While shopping at Kanetix.ca, drivers should keep the following tips in mind to help get the lowest possible auto insurance rate:

Consider discounts

There may be discounts that you are not already getting that you may be eligible to receive. For example, some insurers offer a group discount that may allow drivers who belong to certain employer groups, trade unions, or alumni and professional associations to qualify for savings of 10 to 20 per cent.

Think about raising your deductibles

The higher your deductibles the lower your premium. For example, policyholders with deductibles set to $500 could save up to 5 per cent by raising them to $1,000. Keep it affordable though, because this is how much you'll have to cover should you need to submit a claim.

Don't pay for optional coverage you do not need

Review your policy to see if there are optional coverages included in your current policy that you may not need. For example, if you drive an older car and your collision and comprehensive deductible is set to a dollar amount that is more than the value of your car, it may no longer make sense to: a) keep these coverages, or b) keep these coverages at the current deductible amount.

About the study

Intended as a tool to spot and highlight the pricing trends of car insurance, the Kanetix study is released quarterly. Kanetix believes this study to be an accurate reflection of what auto insurance consumers are seeing when they get their renewal notice from their current insurer, and what prices consumers see when they shop around for coverage. The study includes all drivers, regardless of their driving or insurance history, and is based on the lowest rate quoted, no matter which company provided it (e.g. direct writing companies or broker-based insurers).

The results of the study are determined by comparing the average lowest auto insurance premium quoted online for Quebec shoppers through Kanetix in Q4 2009 (October, November and December) with the average from the same period in 2008. The results, and resulting interpretations, are based on the profile information as entered by the shopper and may not represent their accurate driving profile or vehicle data. As such, Kanetix can make no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of this information.

About Kanetix

Launched in October 1999, Kanetix is Canada's leading national, online insurance marketplace. The Kanetix insurance information and shopping service brings consumers and insurance companies together in a one-stop shopping environment. Each day, thousands of consumers visit the Kanetix website to compare insurance quotes from a variety of Canadian insurance companies. Kanetix visitors can select the insurance quote of their choice and where available, choose to complete the application for coverage online or purchase their policy over the phone.

For more information, visit www.kanetix.ca, or contact:

Kanetix Ltd.
publicrelations@kanetix.ca


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