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How to Shop for Car Insurance |
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Of course, there are many other insurers that you can contact online. But remember, while you're researching companies, make notes in a separate computer file or on a piece of paper divided into categories. This will keep you from duplicating your efforts. When you visit the different online insurance sites you should take note of several things:
- Annual and monthly rates for the different types of coverage — make sure to keep the coverage limits the same so that you can make "apples-to-apples" comparisons
- An 800 number to call for questions you can't get answered online
- The insurance company's payment policy (When is your payment due? What happens if you're late in making a payment?)
- Discounts offered by the insurance company that pertain to you
- The insurance company's consumer complaint ratio from your state's department of insurance Web site (more on this below)
- The insurance company's A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's ratings (more on this below)
Once you have exhausted your online options, it's time to work the phones. Those companies you haven't been able to get an online quote from should be contacted. Surprisingly, doing this process verbally can actually go faster than the online counterpart, providing you have all the information regarding your driver license and vehicle registration close at hand. When you get a quote, be sure to confirm the price. Also, ask them to fax or e-mail the quote to you as a record.
While talking to the insurance companies' telephone salespeople, make sure you explore all options relating to discounts. Insurance companies give discounts for a good driving record, favorable credit score, safety equipment (for example, antilock brakes), certain occupations or professional affiliations, and more. For more guidance in this area, check out "How to Save Money on Auto Insurance."
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Insurance