Buying Auto Insurance Online? Get Some Helpful Tips

Thinking of buying auto insurance online, take a read through this and get some helpful tips.

You would have to be living under a rock to not notice that the internet has made many of our shopping choices easier or more convenient.

Shocker!

And it’s no different for buying auto insurance online, but before you get sucked into this temptation to click, buy and print, you need to think carefully about what you’re about to purchase.

This isn't because all online auto insurance is bad … it’s not. It’s just that auto insurance isn't like buying a shirt, or a video game online. You have think about what you need first.

How does this choice fit into your financial plan?

Your auto insurance, like all of your insurance, IS part of your financial plan, it’s the foundation. So, before you click that button, and buy auto insurance online, you need to make sure your auto insurance needs are being met.

I’m buying auto insurance online and you can’t stop me!

You've got a mouse, and you know how to use it. OK!

But before you click that mouse and make your purchase, here are a few of the many the things you’ll want to consider:

1. You need to research the coverage that makes sense for you, for your particular financial situation. It’s easy to look at the cost, and make a choice based on price, but if you choose to pay less, are you actually getting less? And if you have a loss, how much of your personal wealth are you putting at risk? You need to choose the right amount of auto insurance protection.
2. Take a look at your current auto insurance coverage and premiums, this is a good starting point.
3. Research the companies you are going to consider purchasing auto insurance from, do they have a good reputation for service, claims, and financial stability? This is extremely important if you are going to buy the insurance directly from the company, as you won’t have an insurance agent who can inform you of the differences and make sure you have all the information to get the best overall experience.
4. Ask questions if you can. Use online chat or toll free numbers to ask questions. You want to understand what the insurance policy covers when you buy a new car, change cars, add new cars to your policy, and what if you have to lend your vehicle to someone. Not all insurance policies are the same, they have different restrictions and exclusions, and without an insurance agent, you can only learn this if you ask the company these questions directly.

Be picky, take your time, and make an informed decision

If you start shopping well ahead of your current policy expiration, you will have the luxury of time. You can get an auto insurance quote online from several sources, and at your pace, you’ll want to use all of the quoting tools the carriers make available to you to adjust coverages and combinations, so you can see how this changes the premiums. You’ll also want to read through all the information to make sure you understand all the auto insurance discounts you may qualify for.

By all means, do not cancel your policy, or allow it to expire before you purchase your new auto insurance policy. That’s a rookie mistake, and could cost your if you have a loss while you’re uninsured.

How do you like them apples?

You are most likely going to see a range of prices when shopping for auto insurance.  Progressive did a study and it indicated that same persona could see a range of $400+ when shopping for auto insurance. Since there is such a potential for a big swing in premiums from company-to-company, you need to make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples, this will avoid a false indication of savings.

Pick up the phone and make a call

Choosing your auto insurance provider is an important decision. From online customer service to prompt and fair claims handling, you need to be comfortable with the company you choose. So pick up the phone and talk to a real live agent before you purchase a policy.

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