Different auto insurance companies appeal to different people. There are those that specialize in families, while others specialize in older drivers. So aside from comparing auto insurance quotes, you also need to compare car insurers.
Doing so can save you hundreds of dollars on premiums so it really pays to do your homework. Here are our tips to help you evaluate several insurance providers:
- Check their consumer track record.
When you’re not sure which companies to check, take a look at your state insurance commission’s website. Many states have a buyer’s guide for vehicle insurance and here you’ll find lists of insurers that cater to your state.
It’s also worth noting that when it comes to insurance, the complaint ratios are more crucial than the financial ratings. Most (if not all) states have an insurance guarantee fund that will offer financial help if the insurance company goes bust. Then again, it still makes sense to investigate the insurer’s financial health.
Other factors to look into are the price and claims service. Pick a company that has few customer complaints and low premium rates.
- Compare complaint ratios.
Pick around 3-5 insurance companies and check their complaint records. Remove the companies with the highest number of complaints from your list. You want an insurance provider that provides excellent service, and not necessarily one that offers the cheapest insurance premiums.
- Compare apples to apples.
When studying your options, make sure you compare the same coverage among all insurance providers you’re eyeing then buy only the coverage you need. For example, if you have an older car model that will probably no longer be serviceable in 1 or 2 years, then you don’t need to pay for expensive collision insurance. If you don’t plan on driving abroad, then you don’t need coverage for overseas driving.
Know the coverage you need before shopping and then use those when obtaining car insurance quotes.
- Find out if you qualify for discounts.
Prior to comparing vehicle insurance quotes, you’ll need to do some research about potential discounts you may be eligible for – good driving record, having a defensive driving certification, etc. Some insurance providers offer discounts for these things so it’s worth taking the time to find out.
- Compare optional coverage.
Some insurance companies offer elective coverage for things like towing and labor, car rental, and stolen car parts/contents. Comparing what several insurance providers have to offer in this regard may be well worth it. But make sure you don’t take any extra insurance coverage unless you feel that it’s really needed. On the other hand, if one company can give you optional coverage at the same price that another company has quoted without the extras, then choosing the company with all the add-ons may be the better choice.
The bottom line is that you need to know exactly what you require for your vehicle insurance policy. Once you do, find out which insurance provider can give you the best price for your needs!
Barbara Ratliff 
Andrew Williams