The Guide To Finding Online Auto Insurance Quotes

Automobile insurance quote websites are designed to initiate the contact between the insurance shopper and the auto insurance providers. The visitor inputs basic information concerning the location and vehicle to be insured. Information returned to the website visitor is designed to highlight the insurance companies that underwrite auto insurance policies in that specific location.

Subsequent steps in the process will require more personal information that will be used to calculate the annual premium on the policy. Many other steps will be required in the quest to acquire auto insurance. Enter you ZIP on our homepage to start comparing today!

Coverage Components

Different types auto insurance policies are comprised of various coverage components. Coverage amounts can be set for each component based on the driving habits, location and personal needs of the driver. Insurers will request specific information prior to setting the payout limits on the policy. Auto insurance policies will not pay for claims that are covered under a non-existent component.

Drivers must be careful to carry the right components for the situation.

• Comprehensive – Any vehicle damage that is not caused by a collision will be paid under this component. Storm damage, theft and falling objects can cause significant damage. Sufficient payout limits should be set on the policy. Lending institutions can require this component as part of the loan agreement. Anyone who rents a car for business or leisure travel will rely on this component to cover the rental car.
• Collision – Damage sustained when the vehicle strikes a stationary object or another vehicle will be covered under this component. Older vehicles might not be worth the cost of carrying this component. Most lending institutions will require this component if a loan exists on the vehicle.
• Liability – Third-party losses are covered under the liability coverage on the policy. Insurance companies are required to comply with the state minimum liability amounts when underwriting policies. Drivers are wise to carry much more liability insurance than is required by the law. All litigation expenses are paid under the liability component along with property damage and bodily injury expenses for passengers. No-fault laws restrain the amount of money that is awarded under the no-fault system in certain states.
• Medical – Any policyholder without major medical coverage from another source is wise to carry this component on the auto insurance. Injuries sustained by the driver of the insured vehicle are covered under this component. Medical bills will add up quickly, so the payout amount on the policy must be set at the appropriate amount.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist – Accidents that are caused by a driver that does not have auto insurance are paid for by the policyholder’s company. Many insurers recommend this component because of the increasing number of motorists who cannot afford to carry auto insurance because of the economy. The uninsured motorist’s car is not covered under this component.
• Deductible – The cost of auto insurance can be influenced dramatically by the amount of the deductible on the policy. Care must be exercised to set an affordable deductible. Those who cannot afford a substantial expense following an accident should carry a lower deductible.

Reliable Insurance Provider

Well-known insurance companies might not be the best providers of cheap auto insurance coverage or customer service to the customers. Healthy advertising budgets are not equivalent to helpful customer service and fast claim payment.

A.M. Best Company is the third-party watchdog for the insurance industry. Every company is rated according to the stringent criteria that is most helpful to the public.

• Claim payment record – Large insurance companies have gained a reputation for denying claims. Policyholders must be confident that the insurance company will pay valid claims in a timely manner. A.M. Best tracks actual claim payment records for every insurance provider. Insurance shoppers would be wise to investigate the records of the insurance companies that are in the final selection group.
• Customer service rating – Following a loss, the policyholder requires guidance for the process of collecting from the insurance company. A strong customer service rating is difficult to obtain. Potential customers rely on this rating to make choices between insurance providers.
• Company longevity – An insurance company that has been in business for a long time might not be the best choice. Research must be conducted to prove the final selection matches the insurance need.

Objective Appraisal

All quotes returned throughout the investigative efforts must be evaluated for similar characteristics. Insurers will provide attractive quotes to lure new customers into the next steps of the process. All of the following attributes must match for the quotes to be comparable.

• Coverage amounts – Every policy quote must have the same components and identical payout amounts. Different policy composition will skew the comparison efforts. Minimal quotes should be eliminated from the process.
• Deductibles – Exactly the same deductible amount must be included in every quote. Very high deductible amounts can drop the annual premium by hundreds of dollars. Shoppers must be aware of this tactic.
• Introductory rates – Some insurance companies will offer low auto insurance rates for the first six months of coverage. Once the time period expires, rates will return to market levels. A quote with an introductory rate should be set aside.
• No frills – Policy documentation provides details that are legally binding for the insurance company. Disclaimers can be written into the policy that will exempt the insurer from paying for certain losses. The savvy insurance shopper will read the policy documentation prior to making a final choice.
• Discounts – Literally dozens of different auto insurance discounts exist in the marketplace. Every insurance company offers these discounts to encourage responsible behaviors that reduce risk. Investigating the discounts should be postponed until the final round of comparison shopping.

Final Decision

Online auto insurance quotes are the initial step in a process that can save the driver substantial money each year. The driving record and the personal profile of the primary driver will play significant roles in the calculation of the final premium offered by the insurance company. Inclusion of the driving record in the quote process will save many steps in the comparison between the insurers.

Some companies refuse to underwrite policies for any driver that falls into high-risk groups. Try our FREE quote generator on our homepage by entering your ZIP!

Insurance companies encourage responsible behavior through the discounts that are offered to drivers. Irresponsible drivers will pay higher auto insurance rates with every insurer. Individuals cannot be targeted for higher insurance rates, but classes of drivers are rated according to the perceived risk of loss.

Insurance shoppers will seek adequate coverage for the best possible price. Trustworthy insurance companies will work with policyholders to restrain the rising costs of auto insurance.