2026 Auto Insurance Shopping Survey

Cliq Coverage surveyed 1,200 US drivers in Q1 2026 about how they shop for auto insurance. The results reveal a market where inertia is quietly costing drivers hundreds every year.

Key Findings

• 62% of drivers have not shopped their auto insurance in the past 12 months
• Of those who did shop, 43% switched carriers
• Average annual savings for switchers: $471
• 71% were prompted to shop by a rate increase — not proactively

Why Drivers Do Not Shop

1. "It's too much hassle" (38%)
2. "I trust my current carrier" (24%)
3. "I assume they're all about the same" (19%)
4. "I don't know where to start" (12%)
5. Other (7%)

Trigger to Switch

The biggest single trigger for actually switching carriers was a rate increase of 8% or more at renewal. Drivers who saw increases under 5% overwhelmingly stayed put — even when a cheaper option existed.

Takeaway

Most drivers only shop when their carrier raises rates. The drivers who shop proactively — every 6–12 months regardless of renewal — save the most over time.

Methodology: Online panel survey of 1,200 US-licensed drivers aged 21–74, weighted to Census demographics. Margin of error ±2.8%.