A recent study by J.D. Power and Associates revealed a somewhat surprising trend in car insurance satisfaction; customer satisfaction is way up. In fact, car insurance satisfaction is at a five year high, despite (and actually because of) the poor state of the American economy. The study polled users to rate their car insurance companies based on a variety of different factors, including direct customer service and price; and found improvements in all areas, with a 32 point gain in the "car insurance price" category.

Car insurance companies tend to improve efforts to keep customers satisfied during recessionary periods, as this is the time where business is most necessary, both in the car insurance industry and in every other area of the economy. This can result in better customer service (especially when dealing with a car insurance company over the phone), quicker claims, and most importantly lower rates as the insurance companies try to get every customer that they can find. Historically when economies improve, the rate of car insurance satisfaction drops; but in the meantime, it's good news for drivers across the United States.

A variety of drivers may notice the benefits of a recession in their bills, as their across the board changes with lower premiums being applied to every category of driver. Many drivers may even notice improvements in their dealings with representatives over the phone and in person, but experts insist that recessions are also good times to check around for other quotes from car insurance companies. During such times, special offers and deals run at an all time high. Even drivers that have recently received a drop in their premiums will find it advantageous to contact several companies for quotes or do some research on the Internet. Bad economies can create a good atmosphere for insurance, at least from a consumer's point of view. Drivers can expect to see the effects of the recession reflected in their lower car bills. About 45% of the drivers polled in the study were paying less for car insurance this year than in the past.

Until the recession ends, it's likely that car insurance premium rates will continue to go down and satisfaction as a whole will tend to increase. It's possible that polls will show very disappointed consumers when the economy disappears and rates begin to return to normal. Nevertheless, insurance car rates seem to be getting far more manageable for the average U.S. driver, and as a result, polls are expected to continue to show significant improvements in the way that consumers see their car insurance companies and bills.