A car insurance survey by consumer magazine Choice advises buyers to “shop around” before renewing.

AAMI and Suncorp have scored well in the survey, which says the policies with the best features   were often those that also had the highest satisfaction survey scores.

Choice says more than half the survey subjects didn’t shop around when their renewal slip arrived, and more than 70% had not switched insurers in the previous five years.

“Considering the level of cover you receive can change from year to year, as well as increased competition lowering premiums, it’s surprising that so many people stay put.”

AAMI performed strongly in the survey, including for drivers who had made a claim. It notes that NRMA, SGIO, SGIC, RACV, Allianz and Budget Direct increase the premium after a claim, regardless of the no-claim bonus.

Several Choice members were annoyed to receive their automatic renewal invoice only to find they could get a better deal online from their insurer. Choice says this is “leaving customers feeling disgruntled”.