Although it is common sense to compare insurance companies and their rates before committing to a policy, many consumers do not know what exactly to compare when it comes to insurance quotes. Here are a couple of helpful tips to make comparing insurance quotes easier for you.
- Collect at least 3-5 Different Quotes
A simple way to get started is to search online for insurance quotes. Some sites, like BestQuotes.com, allow you to obtain various quotes by sending only one form which can save you a lot of time. Once you obtain quotes from providers, you will be able to compare coverage details and premium rates side-by-side, helping you to make a decision which insurance company is most suitable for you.
- The Price
The easiest thing to start with, obviously, is the price of the policy you are looking for. What are you willing to pay and what is your budget? The best thing to do is to simply compare quotes side-by-side and check the final premium, coverage extent, limits and, of course, the deductibles.
- The Coverage
Insurance companies offer different types of coverage that offer different levels of protection. Find out exactly what the insurer offers: to protect you, other people, your material goods, etc. Depending on whether you are single or married, you might be able to not only protect yourself but also your family. Moreover, you may be able to bundle certain policies.
- Level of Coverage
Although it’s easiest to just buy the cheapest rate, make sure to choose your level of protection sensibly. The cheapest rates often provide the lowest rate of financial protection after incidents or accidents. Of course, you will want to buy a coverage that you can comfortable afford, but it should still match your financial risk tolerance.
- Compare Premiums and Discounts
Check out by how much you can lower monthly premiums by increasing deductibles, and vice versa. Moreover, limits influence what you pay. By choosing higher coverage limits, you may be able to receive higher financial protection in case of an emergency. Another important aspect are the discounts: While some of them might sound very tempting, it’s important to read through the fine print of each program and define how much you are actually saving.
- Compare Companies
Another way to compare different rates is to compare the actual companies. Make sure you are not receiving quotes from an unreliable company with bad reviews, regardless of how good the rates seem. Check out their website and investigate if they are included in any national or regional rankings, or if they have positive customer reviews. You could even take the customer service for a ride. Call or email with questions and check how long it takes them to get back to you. Also, what are the hours of operation and what is the claim-filing process: Does the company make it as easy as possible to help you get what you’re looking for? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
