Study finds decrease in lowest quoted auto rates for Q1

There was a 1.9% decrease in the average lowest rates quoted for auto insurance rates in Ontario in Q1 2009 as compared to Q1 2008, according to a Kanetix study.
The study findings appear to contradict industry trends of increasing auto rates, Kanetix notes in a release.
Despite these trends, for the second quarter in a row a decrease in the average of the lowest rates quoted was noted through the Kanetix quote comparison service, the release notes.
Kanetix.ca offers a few possible reasons for the results of the study.
The percentage of vehicles six years or older increased by nearly 4% in 2009 Q1, while new models dropped more than 3%, the quarterly car insurance premium study found. 
As cars age, drivers start to drop optional coverages like comprehensive and collision resulting in lower premiums and this behaviour is being reflected in quotes obtained through Kanetix.
Furthermore, in 2009 Q1, more than 61% of Ontario drivers noted they changed tires seasonally, making them eligible for a winter tire discount. This discount was not available in 2008 Q1, which helped many Ontario drivers obtain a lower rate, the release notes.