Auto Insurance Online Shopping For First Timers

Kathy Barret July 28, 2020 3 min read

A mere thought of a safely net to count on each time you get involved in a car accident would give you peace of mind. Surely, you don’t want to think of any emergency expenses all the time. But if that safety net costs you so much, then you may be getting a good protection yet certainly hurting your pockets. The essence of a safety net is spoiled and the idea of a good protection is wasted. That is why as a first time car insurance buyer, you have to realize that is it not enough to buy any car insurance policy that is suggested by a friend or similar to your parents.

Assuming that you are at the right age, already have obtained a driver’s license, have purchased a vehicle, have learned the terms and the different car insurance policies, then you are ready to buy your car insurance; the best place to do it is online.

However, shopping for car insurance online can still be very confusing if you are just armed with the above assumptions. Here are the step by step procedures which will help you in your pursuit for car insurance online:

1. Shop around

Search for different car insurance companies. Also look for sites that offer free quotes. This will enable you to know the exact amount you will have to pay for your car insurance policy. Search for car insurance company websites that offer online support. Read financial strength ratings of different car insurance company. You may want to visit Standard & Poor’s ratings and the A.M. Best regarding this information.

2. Be ready with the information you need when you ask for quote

These are: home address, previous car insurance details, driver’s license number, details about your car to be insured (model, year, and VIN), driving history, car’s use (business, leisure, etc), mileage per year, and so on. Have them with you once you begin researching.

3. Learn the tricks on savings

There are several factors that influence the amount of your car insurance policy; factors like your location, age, gender, status, credit rating, car’s security (anti-theft) system, number of years as a driver, driving history, etc. Some of them you cannot change while some can. Learn to lower down your premium using these things.

For example, a person with a clean driving record can get a cheaper premium compared to those who have received few tickets purchasing for the same coverage. Another example would be: purchasing a policy with the highest deductible you can afford can lower your premium. Also, a car with security and anti-theft devices such as airbags, car alarms, automatic seat belts, and tracking systems has a lower premium than cars without. There are several of these, know them all and you will surely get the most out of your coverage.

4. Get car insurance quotes from at least 3 sites

Different car insurance companies offer different prices for the same coverage. Make sure you get at least 3 car insurance quotes to know which company offers the best price for the same protection.

5. Weigh and select which one offers the best

Now that you have the quotes from different car insurance online, you have the final say on which one will serve you best.