Nobody looks forward to paying for auto insurance, especially when they are paying too much. Having so many online and local companies to choose from, it is very difficult to locate the best car insurance company.
Buying car insurance is not rocket science. If you have insurance now or are just looking to switch companies, you can use these tips to find the best rates while maintaining coverages. Drivers just need to learn how to buy auto insurance online.
Which Auto Insurance is Cheapest?
Finding lower auto insurance rates can be surprisingly simple. The only thing you need to do is spend a few minutes on the computer getting comparison quotes online with multiple companies. This is very easy and can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
- One of the simplest ways to get quotes is a comparison rater form click to view form in new window. This form saves time by eliminating separate quotation requests for every auto insurance company. One form submission will return price quotes from many national carriers.
- A different way to obtain and compare quotes online requires you to visit each company’s website to complete their respective quote request forms. For instance, let’s assume you want to compare USAA, 21st Century and Farmers. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is more popular.
For a list of links to companies insuring cars in your area, click here.
- The least recommended way to compare rates is to spend time driving to local insurance agencies. Shopping for auto insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you want the personal advice that only a license agent can provide. However, consumers can price shop your coverage online but still have the advice of a local agent.
Whichever way you use, compare apples-to-apples quote information on every quote. If each company quotes unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be very difficult to truly determine the lowest rate.
Local agents and auto insurance
A small number of people would prefer to buy from a licensed agent and that is just fine! Good agents can answer important questions and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain lower rates and still choose a local agent.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, the quote information is transmitted to agents in your area who will give you bids to get your business. There is no need to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!
Choosing a company shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
Is a captive or independent auto insurance agent right for you?
When researching a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies from which to choose. agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ because it can influence the selection process.
Agency Captives
Captive agents can only write with one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. They are trained well on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to contact at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.
For a full directory of auto insurance agents, visit this page.
After getting acceptable answers to any questions you have in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found an insurance agency that meets your needs to provide auto insurance coverage.
