Many people get stuck with a mediocre car insurance provider because they simply do not want to deal with the hassle – and paperwork – they think is required to switch insurers. Fortunately, in this day and age, finding a new company can be done quickly, without running around town, since consumers can now get a car insurance quote online.
Preparing for a quote search
Before surfing the web, shoppers should organize all of their personal information needed to obtain a quote. A car owner’s location, driving history, age, gender, and car model can all influence an insurance rate, which is why applicants need to be thorough and honest when filling in their information.
Experts say some people may be tempted to brush off a speeding ticket or collision when applying for a quote online, something insurers can easily discover when reviewing an application. There’s no point in trying to hide such information, since it will just throw off the quotes.
A variety of car insurance research is key
Shoppers should be sure to get rates from a variety of companies to see what their options are. Some websites secure rates from multiple providers after consumers fill out a simple form once. For those who want to do the work themselves, most leading auto insurance companies offer instant quotes.
Looking through a variety of insurers is also important because each company has its own risk formula used to determine premium rates. Every provider will consider driving record, age and other factors differently when determining a quote, but many also put a high importance on other qualities like credit history. That’s why consumers should do enough research to find the company that works best for them.
Shoppers should also remember to look for policy discounts when getting a car insurance quote online. Some insurers may offer deals for students who have high grades, something that can benefit parents who are looking for a slightly more affordable policy.
In addition, experts add some companies will offer discounts for vehicles that have extra safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags or security systems. Others will even reduce insurance costs for drivers who keep their vehicle in a garage.
Using the web to research reliability
Finally, to make sure an insurer is reliable, shoppers should use the web to research consumer reviews and ratings. Most states publish consumer complaint rations, which illustrate how many complaints each auto insurer receives. A number of independent companies also publish customer service and affordability ratings, based off data gathered from policyholders across the country.