Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can empty your personal savings and put a big crunch on your finances. Shopping your coverage around is free and is an excellent way to help make ends meet.
Big companies like State Farm, GEICO and Farmers Insurance continually bombard you with ads and it is challenging if not impossible to avoid their marketing magic and take the time to shop coverage around.
You should make it a habit to compare rates quite often because insurance rates fluctuate regularly. Just because you found the best deal on Highlander insurance last year you can probably find a lower rate today. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re about to find out one of the quickest ways to reduce your cost while improving coverage.
If you are paying for car insurance now, you should be able to cut costs considerably using this strategy. Finding affordable coverage is quite easy. Nevertheless, drivers must learn how companies market on the web.
Compare Auto Insurance Today
When shopping for auto insurance there are multiple ways to compare quotes from local auto insurance companies. The simplest method to find the lowest Toyota Highlander rates consists of obtaining rate quotes online. This can be accomplished in several different ways.
- One of the simplest ways to get the best comparison quotes would be an industry-wide quote request form click to view form in new window. This easy form eliminates the need for a different quote for every auto insurance company. Just one form will get you rate comparisons direct from many companies.
- A harder way to analyze rates is to manually visit the website of each company to complete their respective quote request forms. For examples sake, we’ll assume you want rates from State Farm, Allstate and Farmers. To get each rate you have to visit each site and enter your policy data, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in your area, click here.
- The least efficient method of getting rate comparisons is to spend time driving to different agent offices. Shopping for auto insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you prefer the trained guidance that only a license agent can provide. It is possible to get the lowest quotes online but buy from a local insurance agent and you’ll learn how to do that later.
However you get your quotes, make darn sure you compare apples-to-apples information with every price quote. If you use different deductibles it will be impossible to make an equal comparison. Quoting even small variations in insurance coverages can make a big difference in price. Just remember that more quotes will increase your chances of finding the best offered rates.
What happened to insurance agents?
A small number of people would rather buy from a licensed agent and that is a personal choice. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get better rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is important especially if you live in a smaller city or town.
By using this quick form, your insurance data is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your house as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! You’ll get the best rates and work with a local agent.
Multiple types of insurance agencies
When searching for a local agent, there are a couple of types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies are classified as either independent or captive.
Independent Agents
These agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency.
When shopping rates, you should always contact multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from.
Captive Agents
Captive agents are contracted to one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agencies are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.
To view a full list of agencies, visit this site.
Choosing a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- How long has their agency been in business?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Upon getting positive feedback to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you may have just found an insurance agent that will service your policy.
