A third of Australians have researched home and vehicle insurance online, and often switched providers as a result.

A poll of more than 1200 people, commissioned by TAL, found 70% used the internet to investigate cover and 43% visited comparator sites.

The proportion of people researching general insurance products was higher than for bank products, super and life insurance.

In the past year 44% had not researched or changed providers in any of the six financial services considered in the survey.

TAL Group CEO Jim Minto says the internet has empowered consumers “and put them in the driving seat when it comes to their own finances”.

He says people save millions of dollars a year by seeking better deals online, and the process is increasing financial literacy.