CANBERRA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Insurers get the big tick from Australian customers when it comes to all-round service, local media reports Sunday.

    The 2009 Smiles survey takes a look at all the major service providers. Rated on value, customer service, fees and features, the survey showed general insurers were number one, with a 73 percent approval rating, just ahead of banks and home loan providers on 72 percent.

    The worst were super funds and risk insurers, who rated 63 percent.

    The survey, which took in the responses of more than 2,000 Australians, also found customers were most commonly unhappy when trying to get in touch with providers.

    Voice recognition software and not being able to speak to a real person - or at least one in the same country - were common gripes.

    Virgin won the gong as the highest-polling mobile phone provider, while little known Internode came first in the Internet category.

    The survey, commissioned by Australian Financial Review's Smart Investor magazine, was held online in October.