How to Get the Best Auto Insurance Quotes Online
Auto insurance can be a substantial cost. Luckily, as a modern consumer, you have plenty of online tools at your disposal that will help you find the best quote. You should do your research beforehand and carefully evaluate each policy offer as you shop for auto insurance quotes online.
Before You Search for Auto Insurance Quotes Online
You can jump online and begin searching for auto insurance quotes without doing any preemptive research. Many insurance companies offer an easy-to-use website that will guide you through quote acquisition without much preparation on your part. Some businesses, however, may take advantage of your naivety and you'll end up with coverage you don't need or signing a policy that won't honor your claims.
If you want to be an informed consumer, here is what you should do before you begin searching for auto insurance quotes online:
Determine the Type of Coverage You Want
Insurance USA describes "sliding" as a common auto insurance scam where sales agents try to convince you that you need more coverage than necessary. Often the company will do this by insisting the extra coverage is part of the normal package. A website could use design or images to suggest policy add-ons are crucial or the deal is special to you.
The best way to avoid needless upsells is to determine exactly what type of coverage you need. When shopping for a policy quote you should keep certain considerations in mind, including:
State and Leasing Requirements - The federal government requires you to carry some form of auto insurance as a driver in the U.S. Beyond that, each state has its own requirements for auto insurance policies and coverage. You should check what your state demands for the least amount of coverage to be street legal and start there.
The Department of Motor Vehicles reminds drivers with a loan or lease on their vehicles that their payment plan will come with its own set of requirements for an auto insurance policy.
Pay Now vs. Pay Later - Before shopping for auto insurance quotes online, you should take a hard look at your financials and determine how much you can pay in premiums to ensure an accident won't bankrupt you in the future. The more you pay now, the better the company will cover your claims.
There are also different types of coverage to consider. You must determine which ones would probably be most important for safeguarding your assets. You may elect to secure your auto with comprehensive, collision, medical and guaranteed asset protection coverage. You may also want to find a company that provides benefits like free roadside assistance or renters reimbursement when you have to replace your vehicle with a temporary car after an accident.
A driving record free of road incidents is a great way to earn a low quote.
Prepare Your Information
As you fill out forms on an insurance website to get a free quote, the company will ask a variety of questions to provide you with a personal quote. You want to make sure your answers are accurate. Filing false information with an insurance provider is illegal and the company will probably discover the truth anyway. A complete history could also help you find a lower quote. Types of information include:
Personal information - There are two main types of personal data an insurance company focuses on: driving record and credit. The insurance company gives better rates to drivers it believes will file fewer claims. A record free of road incidents is a great way to earn a low quote. This is why new drivers, like teenagers, have a hard time finding an affordable policy. Its usually best for parents to start kids out on a family policy.
That sense of auto policyholder dependability extends to financials. An insurance company wants to make sure its clients can pay their premiums. A strong record of employment and good credit history is beneficial for policy negotiations. You can find your credit score before you search for a quote, but Consumer Reports warns auto insurance companies often use their own metrics for determining good credit terms.
Auto Information - The type of car or truck you drive could have a substantial effect on the quote you receive. Different vehicles have unique safety ratings and features, and an auto insurance company will take the make and model into consideration when calculating policy. You may want to keep this in mind when you shop for a new car and research insurance rates for each possible purchase.
The condition of your particular car will also matter. When you search for a quote online, the website will probably ask when you purchased a car and whether it was new or used. If you get to in-person policy negotiations you may also want to have records on hand regarding whether or not you've installed safety equipment.
Possible Discounts - You have to be aware of all the possible auto insurance discounts you are eligible for. Young drivers may qualify for a lower quote based on their grades. Senior citizens usually receive discounts after a certain age. The way you drive could get you a better policy if you are accident free, offer proof of low mileage or take driving classes. State and federal employees qualify for discounts as well. You should research every possible quote discount before you hop online. Speaking of which, a company may also offer an online shopper discount.
As You Compare Auto Insurance Quotes
You can use an auto insurance website to investigate quotes even if you don't plan on purchasing a policy through the Internet. Kelley Blue Book says you'll probably end up buying auto insurance through captive agents, brokers or direct providers. A website will most likely connect you to a direct provider but you can use the information collected online to speak to brokers, agents or any other company you use to find an auto insurance policy.
Shop Around
One of the major advantages of online shopping is convenience. Thanks to the Internet you can check quotes and benefits from several providers in a short amount of time. Once you have the proper personal information, it's simple to enter in the data and see what each company offers.
You may feel like you are overburdened by choice.
You may feel like you are overburdened by choice. After a few searches you should get a basic idea of the range of quotes available to you. It's a good idea to start with companies recommended by friends or family. You can also focus your search on the type of coverage and benefits you look for. NerdWallet, an online finance blog, said certain auto insurance companies may prioritize particular services like customer support or offer quotes based on personal data like low mileage.
If you already have home or renters insurance, you may want to use your current company. However, it's still a good idea to shop around first to make sure your current provider has the best quotes.
Check Deals for Hidden Language
When a quote seems too good to be true, it's time to do some investigating. A policy with low premiums may not actually offer the coverage it suggests. You need to check the wording of each offer to ensure the company will provide the benefits it promises.
Consumer Reports recommends sticking to major companies. The big auto insurance providers receive fewer complaints about bait-and-switch policies. Smaller organizations may be fly-by-night operations that take your money and ignore your claims. The problems may be more subtle, like the company choosing which mechanic provides repairs after an accident and paying for used parts instead of new replacements. You have to check for things like who chooses the auto care service after an incident.
You should also check contract language for benefits the policy doesn't offer. If you know which discounts you qualify for, you should make sure the company accounts for them in a quote. Doing your research beforehand ensures you know what to check for when you visit a website.
Look for Company Reviews
You can start your search for a company based on personal recommendations and online reviews. When you find a quote you like, you should go back to consumer reviews and specific examples of consumer satisfaction with filing claims and receiving coverage. You can check online review sites or organizations like the Better Business Bureau that collect customer complaints.
The company should offer proof of official accreditation. You should try to find an auto insurance company that advertises consumer awards or federal and state recommendations.
Utilize Contact Information
Another indication of an honest quote is how well the website performs. An online insurance provider should try to make finding a quote easy. Business materials should offer consumers information and promote engagement. A company that hides its email addresses or phone number may have reason to discourage customer contact.
You can find a quote and buy a policy online without contacting anyone, but it's usually better to talk to someone from the company before signing up for auto coverage. Talking with a person is a great way to see if a company is pushy or willing to listen to your particular needs.
If you create a strong relationship with your auto insurance provider, it may help you get a better quote after you've signed up for a policy. If you get a new job that requires less mileage or have questions about what type of auto you should buy for lower insurance rates, finding a friendly agent can be just as important as finding a low quote.