Online Auto Insurance: Is It a Feasible Option?

Choosing online auto insurance is a feasible option if you want speed and convenience. This is probably the best way to insure your vehicle without too much of a hassle. You can log on, select your coverage and within minutes, have an active policy.

If you are looking online for great car insurance rates, enter your ZIP code into the FREE tool right away!

Shopping for auto insurance on the Internet is really taking off. Every year, more and more consumers use Web applications to obtain their policies. Prior to this option, most would need to utilize an agent or broker.

This would take some time. If you needed car insurance fast, chances are you would have to rearrange your schedule. You might need to take time off from work or cancel a prior engagement.

Today, you no longer need to sacrifice time or energy when shopping for auto insurance. You do not have to waste gas either.

The process is simple and easy. You can even purchase the application for your cell phone or laptop. This gives you mobile access too.

The Difference between Online and Traditional Quotes

To decide if you want to exercise this option, you need to understand the differences. In addition to the speed factor, there are many other considerations. With online policies, you can locate a number of companies at one time. You can compare rates and coverage levels.

To ensure your premium meets your expectations, you need to research multiple companies. Approximately 14% of Internet shoppers take a week to decide where to spend their money. These are the cautious shoppers.

According to the experts at the National Mail Order Association, car insurance customers fall into this category. This does not mean they spend this much time on research, it just means they want the best possible deal, and may take some time to make a final decision.

The time between completing the research and making their selection is the longest. They make wise decisions because they do their homework via the Internet. This gives them an edge and they are less likely to change their minds.

This is a huge advantage if you utilize this resource effectively.

Some customers do not like feeling rushed or persuaded. They sometimes view agents as pushy and intrusive. This is another benefit of shopping for car insurance using a website. You can make choices based on what you feel is right for your personal needs.

On the other hand, some consumers are not comfortable with this process. They prefer the personal touch. This is something only a live interaction provides. These types of customers like going to an auto insurance agency. They look forward to listening to the details by a trained professional.

They also like building trust, which they believe happens face-to-face. Many select an automobile insurance agency in their neighborhood. This helps them feel confident. They know they will see them around town.

The reputation of the car insurance company is also an important factor. A newly formed, web-based auto insurance company may not have the same level of ethics. This makes it difficult to determine their longevity and reliability is important. You need to make sure they will answer when they call.

Virtually Error Free

Purchasing your policy on the Internet is virtually error free. You control everything.

Some people get nervous when speaking with an agent. They also need to trust that they record their information correctly. An inaccurate application can cause a major difference in your premiums. It often results in higher rates.

With an online application, you eliminate these issues. You complete the process and have ample time for review. If something looks wrong, you have time to fix the problem. You even have an opportunity to double check your information before you submit.

One reason why so people use online quote tools is that you can know you have compared your options thoroughly. A customer with a less than perfect driving history can ensure a fair rate. This is important since most dread the entire process anyway. It brings a level of comfort and helps ease the mind.

Flexibility Is Always Important

Using the Internet to purchase auto insurance usually comes with great flexibility. Remember, smart providers that have been around for a while are still here partially because they focus on convenience for their customers. This means they may offer certain benefits traditional auto insurance companies cannot.

Valet Service: For example, many have valet service. This feature helps if you damage your vehicle. It is different from towing service. A valet arrives at your home or office driving a rental car. They exchange keys with you and bring your car to the repair shop.

They keep in contact with both you and those completing the repairs. After fixing the damage, they return to the shop and notify you. At your convenience, they deliver your vehicle.

24-Hour Assistance: In addition to completing your policy online, you can file a claim and make payments. Many times, you can set-up payment alerts so you will not forget.

With traditional car insurance companies, your claim has to go through a live representative. This may limit your abilities. If a collision occurs after hours or during the weekend, you may have to wait. Accident claims require immediate attention. You want things moving fast. The sooner you report the issue, the faster you have resolve.

Upgrades and Downgrades: If you want to add another level of coverage, you can. The same is true for downgrades. You have access to your policy anytime. This means you can go directly to your account and make any changes you want. In a few simple clicks, you are done.

The Numbers Are Increasing

The Keynote Benchmark completed a study showing that the number of consumers getting their car insurance online is increasing.

The number of consumers who purchase online car insurance is six times more than in the past.

The major car insurance companies are still leading the way. However, smaller, more stable companies have also seen an influx of new customers. A huge part of this new trend is of course, the ease and convenience factor. However, the younger consumers also use the Internet as their main venue for shopping.

Generation X and Y shoppers make up for more than 50% of those who web-shop. This age demographic is between 18 and 44. The more who use this method of commerce, the faster it expands.

Those who practice a more traditional means are starting to take notice. It seems as though the tables are turning. Car insurance websites may continue to increase. Within the next decade, the customary ways may become obsolete.

Compliance with State Regulations

You can find a number of auto insurance companies that exist on the Internet. This means you may have problems knowing whom to trust. If the process is new to you, this is understandable.

The most important issue surrounding these agencies is their compliance with state regulations. It is imperative that they know the laws where they practice. Any violations can cause you undue hardship. This can include invalid automobile insurance.

Luckily, the Consumer Federation of America exists. If you find an auto insurance company online and question their practices, you can use this resource to your advantage. It is extremely helpful to know they will expose any negativity. They make sure you receive protection against predatory practices.

Established in 1968, this company is only concerned about research and education. They gather all of the latest information and categorize everything. They are similar to the National Consumer Information Source, except they operate on an advocacy level.

Choosing the Best Online Auto Insurance Company

Since your selection depends on personal factors, you should think carefully. You need to consider everything. This includes your daily habits and work environment. You also want to decide if you will allow any other drivers on your policy. All of your choices impact your premium costs.

There are other ways to choose too. They include looking at the stability of the company itself. This is where the investigation helps. Digging into the background of an Internet-based car insurance company is crucial. Make sure they have excellent contact information. Review their policies inside and out. Look for any gaps in service or the claims process.

Good customer service is important, but great customer service is best. The most recent customer satisfaction study from J.D. Power & Associates echoes these sentiments.

They understand that constant improvements are necessary to keep customers happy. This strategy, along with addressing a customer’s needs, helps a company grow.

The car insurance company you select should consistently ask for feedback. You may see surveys in the mail or weekly newsletters. They may create a new company policy just for customers with email addresses on file. Whatever way they choose to keep you informed should match your comfort level.

This is the best way to make you feel valued. A customer who has open communication is less likely to switch. This creates a win-win for both you and your car insurance company.

For your very own online auto insurance rates today, enter your ZIP code into the FREE tool right now!