That's a very nice accolade for the Forum. I wasn't aware of a hike in insurance for automatics. But it's understandable. Most people drive them one footed and lose control in manoeuvring situations, so that probably causes a blip in claims. If they drove two footed (left foot operating the brake) they could stop much more quickly. The only problem with that is the driver behind might not be able to stop as quickly as they can (which is why someone crashed into the back of me).