Whether you are seeking insurance for the first time or shopping around for lower rates, there are numerous benefits of getting an auto insurance quote online. Most (but not all) insurance companies provide an online rate quote functionality that allow you to generate an estimate in a matter of minutes.
I can’t remember the last time I actually visited the office of an insurance agent to obtain a quote, or even called an 800 number in pursuit of coverage. The Internet has made things like this much easier for people who want to take care of their insurance needs as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Ease & Convenience
Most of us exercise our computers and Internet connections on a daily basis – sometimes all day long. Since you’re already sitting in front of your monitor, why not pick up an auto insurance quote online? You don’t have to leave your desk or deal with wait times on the phone.
Getting an auto insurance quote online also gives you the opportunity to solicit rate estimates from numerous companies at the same time. You can open several quote forms in your browser and type in the information simultaneously. It’s much easier to copy and paste your VIN number than to enter it several times in succession.
Comparison
You don’t have to take copious notes when you’re getting an auto insurance quote online. In most cases, the details of your rate quote are sent to your e-mail address, where you can print out the estimates for future comparison. This eliminates the need to fill a spiral bound notebook with your research.
Some insurance companies even let you compare different auto insurance quotes from one web site. They will list their competitors’ information as well as their contain so you can make an informed decision. However, if you’re going to go this route, compose definite to solicit a quote from any serious candidate’s own web site to verify the information.
Flexibility
If you are getting your auto insurance quote online, you can obtain multiple rate quotes from the same source by simple manipulation. For example, you might want to know what your premium will be at different levels of deductible, which only requires the manipulation of a few buttons.
Or you might want to know what your premium would be without collision coverage, or with personal injury protection. Rather than asking someone on the phone or in person to calculate different rates over and over again, you can generate them yourself with a few clicks of a button.
Getting an auto insurance quote online is much easier than it has ever been before, and it is quickly becoming the standard for buying auto insurance. Just remember that the rate quote you receive might be slightly (or even significantly) different than your actual premium, depending on the quantity and accuracy of the information you provide.
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Mar 14th, 2011. Comment. 
With so many major insurance companies and their giant advertising campaigns clamoring for your business, it can be difficult to come by which one is right for you and your family.
Two Types
There are two ways to obtain insurance, either through an actual agent or online. More traditional companies such as State Farm, American Family, and Allstate generally have individual agents who service your business and handle your policy exclusively. Companies like Geico and Progressive are more technology based companies that earn and service your business online or over the phone only, with no direct agent. While both are perfectly acceptable ways of obtaining insurance there are some grand differences between the two.
Traditional – Single Agent
Traditionally, if you wanted to purchase an auto insurance policy you would call your family agent and set up an appointment to come into the office. The benefit to sticking with this type of insurance agency is that you do receive more personalized service. You find to know your agent, meet with him or her face to face to discuss your needs, and have one specific person to call with any questions or concerns you may have regarding changes to your policy.
While this is definitely first-rate in some instances, there are also downfalls. Because agents charge commissions from the actual insurance companies, this is reflected in your payment amount through higher premiums. Also, many people feel that having a impart agent would be an advantage if you are involved in an accident as your agent will just handle the entire process. This is not apt. Agents are in the business of selling and servicing policies, not claims. Most companies defer their handling of auto accident claims to adjusters who often work in the corporate office.
Online at By Phone
The newest way of handling your insurance is through the internet or by calling a toll-free phone number. With this type of insurance company, you do not have one specific contact but can contact the corporation directly which usually means not talking to the same person twice. Because a lot of these companies accelerate on a call-center environment, they do not have the same operating costs as those with individual agents do. This difference is often reflected by lower insurance premium rates.
Best of Both Worlds
The itsy-bitsy known fact about choosing between an online company or an individual agent is that sometimes you can have the best of both worlds. Some companies, (like Geico) have personal offices in many major metropolitan offices where you can actually go and talk to an agent versus handling everything online. Because they have fewer offices, the effect on your rates is mild very low. But, by having only a few puny offices, these companies can still offer the personalized service most policyholders want.
My Opinion As A Seasoned Insurance Sales Agent/Claims Adjuster
My personal take, as a former claims professional and insurance agent? Go for the savings. Insurance rates go in cycles, but by sticking to a website or 800-number company the amount you will save far outweights speaking to a different person every time. After all, how often do you really talk to your agent? Most companies provide claims service at a corporate level, which means your agent most likely will not handle any accidents you have anyhow.
As always, I advice everyone to check their insurance rates three months before each six month renewal to try to get the best deal. Some years certain companies are the best, other years they are not. But it never hurts to check, and with the invention of internet quoting it is even easier and less time consuming.
Filed under State Farm Auto Insurance by on Jan 23rd, 2011. Comment.
