July 8, 2009

Auto Insurance: Should You Go With a Well-Known or Little-Known Company?

When getting auto insurance quotes online, you’re often given information for both large and small companies, companies that you know, and companies that you’ve never heard of before. It can be unnerving to get an auto insurance policy for some of those lesser known companies, but they can be a good resource if you want lower cost insurance and you’re confident in their operations. There are advantages to doing business with both prominent and smaller auto insurance companies.

Reputable auto insurance companies offer many benefits to the driver looking to switch auto insurance companies. First, they’re generally rather stable in their business, so you know they won’t be disappearing. In addition, prominent auto insurance companies generally offer policies that insure other products as well, such as homes, apartments, and recreational vehicles. Because you can use the well-known auto insurance companies for multiple insurances, you may be able to get a discount. Of course, with these companies, you also have a good idea of where to go if you have a problem.

Getting an auto insurance quote from a lesser known company can be intimidating because their names are not advertised daily. Some people choose to go with smaller companies, however, because they’re local, dealing with just one area or state. Some feel that by doing business with these companies, they are supporting local businesses. Others may think that these companies know them better, and are able to recommend better policies. With smaller companies, customers may not have long hold times when they call. They may also be able to take advantage of lower introductory rates, if a company is new.

There is one major concern when it comes to doing business with a little-known company, however. That concern is that the business is somehow operating in an illegitimate or unethical manner. Some scammers pretend to be smaller businesses, only to end up taking your money in the long run. Other little-known businesses are not operated in a responsible manner, and they end up failing, meaning that your policies are not upheld.

Of course, there are downfalls to going with reputable businesses as well. These companies have long lists of customers and it might be hard to get individualized attention. You may experience long wait times on the phone, and it could be difficult to get answers to your questions.

When it comes to getting auto insurance quotes online, the best word of warning is to be prepared. Whether you get a quote from a prominent or little-known business, you need to do your research. Talk to the company, look up reviews online, and converse with current customers. By doing this, you will cover all your bases and be on your way to reliable auto insurance.