I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to buying auto insurance, particularly when they are paying too much. Because you have many choices of insurance companies, it is hard for the average consumer to locate the lowest cost insurance company.
It’s a good habit to get comparison quotes once or twice a year since insurance rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Just because you had the best price on Sonata insurance on your last policy you can probably find a better price now. So forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you’re about to learn how to use the internet to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.
Buying car insurance is quite easy. If you have a policy now or need a new policy, you can learn to get lower rates while maximizing coverage. Vehicle owners only need an understanding of the tricks to shop for auto insurance on the web.
Finding Auto Insurance
All the larger auto insurance companies quote prices for coverage on their websites. Getting quotes is quite easy as you simply type in your required coverages as detailed in the form. After the form is submitted, the system makes automated requests for your driving record and credit report and quotes a price based on these factors. Quoting online simplifies rate comparisons, but the process of having to visit many different websites and type in the same information is monotonous and tiresome. Unfortunately, it is important to get many rate quotes in order to find a lower rate.
The easy way to compare rates
An easier way to locate the lowest prices requires only one form to get prices from a bunch of companies at once. It saves time, eliminates form submissions, and makes price shopping online much simpler. As soon as the form is sent, it gets priced and you can select any of the resulting price quotes. If a lower price is quoted, you can simply submit the application and buy the policy. It only takes a few minutes and can result in significant savings.
To find out what other companies charge, click here and enter your vehicle and coverage information. If you currently have coverage, we recommend that you enter the coverages just like they are on your policy. This helps ensure you will be getting a rate comparison for similar insurance coverage.
Can’t I compare rates from local agents?
Some people just want to buy from a local agent. Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates and still choose a local agent.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this form (opens in new window), the coverage information gets sent to participating agents who will return price quotes to get your business. You won’t need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!
Picking an provider shouldn’t rely on just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in your state?
Insurance agencies come in two flavors
When finding a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that you can select. Agents are either captive or independent. Either one can write coverage properly, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different since it can impact the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents write business for a single company like Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.
For a complete listing of insurance agents, click here.
After getting positive responses for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that can provide auto insurance coverage.
