And engaging with people online can backfire: the British Government, who set up a Web site where the public could create petitions, were sorely embarrassed when 1.8 million people called for planned pay-as-you-drive road charges to be scrapped.
The companies say that basing your premiums on how and how much you drive a concept known as user-based insurance or "pay-as-you-drive" insurance will allow them to accurately target discounts at careful drivers, and charge more spirited customers an appropriately higher amount.