Insurance industry officials want consumers to head to their computers and telephones and start comparison shopping for new auto insurance policies. Why? Because according to a report out of Cleveland, OH, the average cost for insurance rose only $7 last month, to $1,812.

Sam Beldon, vice president of a leading online insurance site, said in a press release, “Drivers have every reason in the world to shop and compare car insurance rates right now. We’re still near record low premiums, the average driver shopping for comparison quotes at insurance.com saved $526 last month, and there’s no telling whether rates will continue to rise – and if they do, how dramatically. If drivers are thinking about switching companies, it’s time to stop thinking. Shop, compare quotes and save some serious cash.”

Last month, the lowest average annual auto insurance rate increased nationally from $1,805 to $1,812. By comparison, the average premium for the same month last year was $1,872, and in 2008 it was $1,893.

In order to help consumers maximize their car insurance shopping experience, we recommend the following:

1. Be Accurate: If you want the numbers in your insurance quotes to be accurate, give complete, correct information. Quote engines are not telepathic; their numbers are based on your input. This includes your driving record for up to three years, the make, model, and year of your car, and details of your current coverage.
2. Be Digital: Doing your insurance shopping online will save you a lot of time. Most insurance quote websites require only one form to get you multiple quotes (generally up to four) from several excellent companies. This is much faster than going to each company website separately, though even that is still faster than calling around, or setting face-to-face appointments, just for the comparison phase of your shopping process.
3. Be Inquisitive: There’s an old adage, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get,” and it’s particularly apt when it comes to comparing car insurance. If you have coverage now, be sure you know what discounts you already have, so you can compare what other companies are offering, and ask what your existing insurer may be able to add (or subtract) to give you a better rate. If you’re new to the auto insurance world, ask what discounts may be available to you because of your credit scores, zip codes, marital status, or job title, among other things.