February 21, 2010

Reasons To Shop Both Online And In Person For Auto Insurance Quotes

The Internet has made it quite a bit easier to shop for auto insurance quotes in the past decade. Most major auto insurance companies offer quotes directly from their websites, and drivers can find out possible rates in only a few minutes. Cost comparison websites have taken this a step further, allowing drivers to get dozens of quotes without re-entering information. However, there are still quite a few local car insurance offices, and some consumers still do business the old fashioned way, calling and visiting insurance offices to find the best premiums and coverage levels available. This may seem old fashioned, but there are benefits to getting insurance quotes online and offline, and the best course of action for most drivers may be some combination of the two.

While it’s true that offline auto insurance quotes take more time to gather, they’re often easier to negotiate. Insurance agents make their living off of commission from sales, and they’ll do whatever they can to get a driver to sign a new policy. Keeping in contact with a local agent can be a great move after you’ve gotten a few quotes together, as you can actually discuss premiums and coverage levels face to face and get a great deal. If you’re ever involved in a claim, you can also use your personal contact with a local insurance agent to get the claim processed more quickly, and you can review and re-negotiate your premiums at regular intervals more easily.

That’s not to discount the enormous benefits of online auto insurance quote comparison. As mentioned earlier, major insurance companies can be compared with a few button clicks, and many online insurers offer fantastic customer service and great premiums. Looking online can quickly give a buyer some perspective, and let the driver know what rates are fair and what rates are wildly inaccurate. Online auto insurance comparison websites can also help a driver understand the benefits of additional coverage types and options, such as comprehensive coverage and roadside assistance.

Before looking for auto insurance quotes, gather information about your car and driving record. Check online first, using comparison shopping websites when possible, and keep a printout of each quote you receive. The Internet has made it quite a bit easier to shop for auto insurance quotes in the past decade. Most major auto insurance companies offer quotes directly from their websites, and drivers can find out possible rates in only a few minutes. Cost comparison websites have taken this a step further, allowing drivers to get dozens of quotes without re-entering information. However, there are still quite a few local car insurance offices, and some consumers still do business the old fashioned way, calling and visiting insurance offices to find the best premiums and coverage levels available. This may seem old fashioned, but there are benefits to getting insurance quotes online and offline, and the best course of action for most drivers may be some combination of the two.