Motorists are lazy and tend not to shop around for the cheapest car insurance, according to consumer group Choice.

A new report says car owners’ reluctance to shop around exposes them to annual premium increases, with only new customers getting discounts.

There are fewer variables in motor policies than in other types of general insurance, so price is key in picking a provider, the report says.

All insurers surveyed by Choice cover accident, theft, fire, storm, vandalism, flood and hail, and all provide at least $20 million in public liability cover.

One-third of insurers admit renewal premiums cost more than new business prices, with some attributing this to online discounts that are unavailable to current customers.

Only seven of the 39 insurers surveyed say they will match competitors’ quotes.

Drivers should check their current provider against at least three other online quotes before renewing, Choice says.

They should also consider increasing their excess, which cuts premiums and can prevent loss or reduction of no-claims discounts.

The nationwide survey questioned motorists in the categories of young driver, standard driver with a lower-value car, standard driver, standard driver with one at-fault claim and older driver.

AAMI is rated the top performer for young drivers, 1300Insurance is best for standard drivers with lower-value cars and standard drivers, Budget Direct wins for standard drivers with one at-fault claim, and Coles and PAYD are joint-best for older drivers.

Nine insurers refused to take part in the survey: 1Cover; Australia Post; ANZ’s OnePath; Australian Seniors Insurance Agency; Bankwest; GE Money; NAB; RACT; and Woolworths.