How much time do you spend online? According to Pew Research Center, approximately 1 in 5 people are connected to the Internet in some way or another almost all of their waking hours. With so much Internet use in the U.S., it makes sense that many drivers want instant access to things that use to require in-person contact.
Getting an online car insurance quote, for example, is not only common, but encouraged by insurance companies everywhere. It is, after all, very convenient and easy to do. However, car insurance is a complicated financial product that serves a very important purpose. Purchasing coverage blindly could cause headaches in the future. Before your request an online car insurance quote, make sure you do so as an informed consumer.
Continue reading to learn some of the most common mistakes drivers make when requesting an online car insurance quote.
Mistake #1: Building Your Own Coverage
Insurance companies know what appeals to the typical driver – good coverage at competitive prices. Unfortunately, no one insurance company can be the most affordable for every driver, since risk tolerance varies from carrier to carrier. To offset costs, some insurance companies allow you to make adjustments to your coverage to see how it could affect your premiums. Unfortunately, doing so may tempt you to purchase less coverage than you really need.
The first key to purchasing insurance is knowing exactly how much protection you need. For most, this is much higher than required by Missouri law. In fact, you need enough car insurance to protect your income and assets from seizure in a lawsuit, as well as enough to ensure you can get medical attention and vehicle repairs after a covered accident or loss. Talk with an independent insurance agent about ways you may be able to lower your premium while retaining the coverage you need.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Important Discounts and Endorsements
Another flaw in online-based quotes is the inability to personalize your policy. Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all purchase. If you have unique coverage needs, such as for special parts or upgrades to your vehicle, an online quote engine is unlikely to accommodate that. In addition, you may be less likely to get or even find out about exclusive discounts that you would otherwise qualify for. Always follow up with an agent to ensure the details of your policy fit your needs.
Mistake #3: Using an Insurance Comparison Site
With more and more people using the Internet to obtain car insurance quotes, websites have popped up offering instant comparison shopping between providers. Unfortunately, many of them contain fine print that allows them to sell user information once it has been submitted. Almost immediately, insurance companies begin calling, emailing, and sending information in the mail in an effort to win over your business. While requesting the quotes may have been easy, many drivers feel overwhelmed with all of the solicitation they receive in the coming days and weeks.
As an alternative option, drivers can more easily compare coverage from multiple insurance companies by working with a single, independent agent. Many – including Mid-Rivers Insurance Group – still allow customers to begin their search on the Internet by requesting a free online car insurance quote. Once preliminary facts are gathered, we can begin shopping the rates of many top-rated insurance companies, ensuring you receive the best value for your insurance dollar.
