Convenience is one of the top reasons for shopping for auto insurance online, but that convenience also could leave you with several unanswered questions. For instance, consider how you will determine if you have sufficient coverage for your circumstances and whether you're eligible for special discounts if you do most of your shopping online.
Quick Quotes
Shopping for auto insurance online makes it easier and quicker to compare insurers' rates. According to Netquote.com, for example, the site's users can get up to 10 auto insurance price quotes in six minutes. The company matches drivers' online applications with insurance providers, and it provides drivers with rate estimates from those companies. Drivers who like these estimates can have agents contact them about buying a policy, or they can contact agents themselves at their convenience.
Quote Variables
Online companies that gather rate quotes for auto insurance shoppers use online applications to get basic information about shoppers before providing their quotes. However, the estimates you receive may not be suitable for the coverage you need. Insureme.com, for example, says on its website that drivers must check with their state insurance department themselves to find out how much auto insurance their state requires them to carry.
Customer Service
It's difficult to gauge the quality of customer service an insurer provides if you restrict most of your contact with a company to getting quotes online and by phone. It's best to meet with local agents to discuss your insurance needs, and to determine who provides good customer service. An insurer's customer service atmosphere will be particularly important if you have to make a claim, because that's often when drivers need their auto insurer's assistance the most.
Discounts
Insureme.com and other websites provide information on how drivers can maximize auto insurance discounts, but you could miss some discounts if you do all of your auto insurance shopping online. According to Nancy Mann Jackson of Bankrate.com, shoppers usually save more money by asking agents about discounts, even if they already found a low rate online. For example, drivers who are 50 and older may be able to get a discount if they have completed a driver safety program. Parents who want to buy auto insurance for teenagers may get a discount if their teens have a 3.0 grade-point average.
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