The study finds that 38 percent of auto insurance policyholders report experiencing a rate increase in 2009, up from 33 percent in 2008. Among the 58 percent of policyholders who were notified of a rate increase in advance, satisfaction averages 723 on a 1,000-point scale.

Satisfaction averages only 659 points among policyholders who didn't receive any advance notification of a rate increase.

Policyholders in 2009 report premium increases of $200 per vehicle, on average, compared with their premiums in 2008. Increases in prices or premiums tend to have a negative impact on customer loyalty rates, as 31 percent of policyholders in 2009 report shopping for a different provider. Only 43 percent of policyholders say they "definitely will" renew with their current provider, down from 46 percent in 2008. In addition, nearly one-fourth of policyholders say they "probably will" or "definitely will" switch providers, compared with 19 percent in 2008.

The study, now in its second year, measures auto and home insurance policyholder experiences with their primary insurers. Customer satisfaction is measured for both auto and home insurance providers across five factors: customer service; price/premium; policy offerings; billing/payment; and claims.

Belairdirect ranks highest in customer satisfaction among private full-coverage automotive insurance providers with a score of 753 on a 1,000-point scale, and performs particularly well in policy offerings, price/premium and customer service. The average satisfaction for auto insurers is 703 in 2009, compared with 701 in 2008.

BCAA ranks highest among home insurance providers for a second consecutive year, with a score of 783. BCAA performs particularly well in policy offerings, price/premium and customer service. Overall satisfaction with home insurance providers increases to an average of 737, up from 728 in 2008.