Car Insurance Rate Comparison

Looking for a quality insurance carrier at a price you can afford?  Comparing rates is easier than ever these days, thanks to the many tools now offered on the internet.   From checking individual companies’ records, to getting actual quotes to compare, the internet is a wonderful way to check and see what options are available and which coverage plans will cost you the least.

Individual Company Websites

The first place you should turn to find out what types of car insurance rates are available to you is to check with individual company websites. Begin with those you know best and then Google for smaller carriers in your area. Easy to use, many carriers now allow potential customers to type in their information and receive a basic quote without being hassled by any salespeople.   Others may require you to at least talk with a sales representative in order to get an actual price quote. Of course picking up the phone and talking with agents for specific companies of interest can also yield the same information – albeit it may take a bit longer to gather.  Contacting each carrier individually will require you to compare those policies (and rates) on your own and it will take more time; but the prices are generally more comprehensive than doing it through a larger search engine product.

Comparison Engines

Don’t have time to log into individual insurance carrier websites to get the information you are after?  Let a comparison engine do the work for you.  Most big carriers now offer this simple tool on their websites as do individual engine comparison sites.  All you have to do is type in some basic information regarding your vehicles like the overage you are after; your driving record and the region in which you live. Within seconds you will have a list of insurance carriers; the products they offer and the prices they charge.  You can streamline your search to include only major carriers or ask the engine to give you rate information form even the smallest carrier.  There is no limit to how many carriers you can compare at one time.

A wonderful way to see at a glance what type of policies different companies offer (and at what price), it is important to understand that not every policy offered through this type of quick search will be equal. There are variables offered by individual companies which could alter the final price of the policy that you choose.  Always take the time to be sure that the prices you are comparing truly are for the same quality product.

Deciding Which Policy Is Best

Of course, price will have a lot to do with which policy you ultimately choose for your car insurance needs. But be careful that you do not simply choose the cheapest insurance, despite what it offers. If you do you risk not having the coverage you need in the case of an accident.

When comparing car insurance rates be sure to always:

• Consider the companies track record: does this company handle claims quickly and efficiently?  Are they service oriented and helpful?  Will they drop your coverage if you file a claim above a certain amount?  Be sure to check for blog entries regarding a company’s approval rating or check with the Better Business Bureau in your state for complaints.

• Check what the policy covers.  Not every insurance policy is equal. Some carriers offer very basic plans void of some of the important coverage you may need like collision; medical; passenger coverage; and more.  Deductibles can also vary greatly, which will have a big impact on how much you pay for your insurance. Choosing a cheap policy over a well-rounded policy can lead to hassle and extended costs down the line should you need to make a claim.

• Consider the overall cost. Sure, the basic plan may seem cheap enough, but if those added riders cost too much, your final bill could be more than the other higher-priced policy you overlooked.  Be sure that the final fees are what you expect before agreeing to nay policy.

• Check for discounts.  When checking an auto insurance comparison chart, you may see that one company charges a bit more than another. Wait! That price may not be as firm as you think. Check each carrier for discount options.  You may be surprised at how low you can get that final amount. For instance, if company A charges $800 a year for coverage, but offers a 10% multi-driver discount and a 20% safe driver discount, their final price is only $560; compared to company B who charges $680 for coverage, but no comparable discounts.

Looking for the best deal using a car insurance rates comparison chart is a great way to figure out your scar insurance options. But be careful to look at all of the variables before making your final decision and choosing a policy you may later regret.