It Figures

58%
Increase in number of auto insurance policies purchased online from 2005 to 2006, according to comScoreInc. Consumers submitted more than 70 million online auto rate quotes from 2004 to 2006, its research indicated.

7
Number of times greater of class actions filed in 2002 than in 1993, prior to the passage of the federal Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, according to a RAND Corp. report. The nonprofit research organization said many class action lawsuits are filed and resolved outside of public view, even though the suits are designed to provide recourse to broad groups of consumers that have been victims of corporate wrongdoing.

9 out of 10
Number of Web users that indicate they are willing to sacrifice convenience for stronger security protection for online accounts. Research by Authentify Inc. noted that consumers prefer security for online financial services, and are less concerned about incurring a financial loss. The survey was independently conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research.

31
Number of Washington senators who voted to approve the Insurance Fair Conduct Act, which is scheduled to be signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire. Eighteen senators opposed the bill, agreeing with insurance associations that the bill will encourage trial lawyers to litigate, driving up insurance costs.

Two-thirds
Number of Washingtonians who believe that talking on a cell phone while driving should be a primary offense, meaning drivers could be cited even if they are not violating other laws.