Thursday, August 2, 2007

The Pros And Cons Of Obtaining Instant Auto Insurance Quotes Online

The Internet has made its mark on the shopping world, making it easy to find many things. There are websites dedicated to buying books, movies, even used items that other people don’t want anymore. In addition to material goods, nowadays, you can buy services that aren’t necessarily as tangible, such as auto insurance. One of the great things about shopping around for auto insurance online is that there are a number of websites where you can obtain instant auto insurance quotes.

By obtaining these instant auto insurance quotes, you’ll be able to better save on your auto insurance, which can translate into extra hundreds a year. But there are advantages and disadvantages to this. Let’s explore some of the benefits of instant auto insurance quotes online and how to avoid some of the problems that you run across with them.

The Pros

Of course, the big advantage to obtaining instant auto insurance quotes online is that the speed of the process allows you to compare different auto insurance companies in one evening, often less than that. Instead of wasting your time with calling company after company for a quote, dealing with automated systems, getting placed on hold, and so on, you can enter your information into a web form and get a quote that way. The real speed comes with sites that take your information once and get quotes from multiple companies, allowing you to compare prices at a glance.

And while on the subject of no phones, no calling means no pressure from a salesperson on the other end of the line. This means no haggling, no rebuttals, and more time to do your own research. If you like the idea of making choices for yourself instead of getting convinced by a salesman, obtaining instant auto insurance quotes online is for you.

The Cons

One of the big drawbacks to obtaining instant auto insurance quotes is that usually, you need to give some sort of contact information, like your e-mail address, which will result in spam in your mailbox later. To combat that, look for sites that don’t require you to give that contact info. Another way to at least control where the spam goes is to have a separate e-mail address you keep, separate from your main address, that you enter for this contact info. That way, the spam is at least directed away from your personal account.

The other disadvantage you have when obtaining instant auto insurance quotes online is that some of the sites that compile results for you won’t ask all the questions that each individual company might on their own sites. This can lead to later sticker shock when the actual company gets back to you and quotes you at something higher. To avoid this and get the most accurate results, double check your work by obtaining quotes from the websites of each individual company. Despite these relatively minor disadvantage, the convenience and speed of getting instant auto insurance quotes online make it a great idea if you’re looking for some for your car.

Finding Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania

Having auto insurance in Pennsylvania is just as important as having coverage in any other state. And although most people don’t think there would be any difference between auto insurance offered in Pennsylvania and anywhere else, there are definitely differences you to know about. On the other hand, just as there are some differences in companies that offer auto insurance in Pennsylvania and those that do not, there are also companies that do not differ, offering pretty much the same type of coverage.

The key is to know the difference in options available in order to make an educated decision as a consumer, in regard to what kind of auto insurance to purchase when living in Pennsylvania.

The Coverage that Doesn’t Differ from State to State

Although there will always be differences from state to state when it comes to auto insurance due to specific state laws, some companies offer auto insurance nationwide which is so similar that you’d be able to stay on the same plan when moving from one state to another. Companies such as Geico auto insurance is offered in Pennsylvania along with any other state in the Country, and will offer just about the same plan to any consumer no matter the state they live in.

This kind of coverage, just as any other product or service, has benefits and disadvantages alike. These pros and cons will differ from person to person due to preference, but one of the most common benefits of purchasing nationwide coverage is price. Because companies like Geico offer coverage to so many people, they are usually able to offer you a lower price, especially compared to local agencies.

On the flip side, a negative aspect that’s popular among consumers is the fact that big nationwide companies do not offer personalized service, therefore customer service may not be as reliable or satisfactory as a smaller company.

Coverage That Does Show a Difference

Any state one lives, including Pennsylvania, can find an auto insurance company that’s local and specializes in personal commitment to their customers. A good way to find these companies is by using your yellow pages or relying on word of mouth from friends and family. The benefits usually outweigh the negatives with this kind of company because of their size, and many people lucky enough to find a good insurance company that’s locally run never even think about switching providers.

Although locally owned auto insurance in places like Pennsylvania are more than likely going to have higher premiums, they tend to make up for it in customer service and satisfaction guarantees. In the end, choosing the right auto insurance comes down to preference, budget and concern.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Purchasing Discount Auto Insurance

There are many insurance companies that advertise that they are discount auto insurance companies. A person who is looking for discount auto insurance should be sure they are getting quality insurance at discounted rates and that there are not hidden costs or areas which they do not have coverage. With careful searching and information gathering the best discount auto insurance companies can be found and the customer can be sure they are getting a good deal.

Ratings For Discount Auto Insurance Companies

A good way a customer can get information on discount auto insurance companies is to look at the insurance rating companies. Both A.M. Best and Weiss Ratings offer consumer information including grades for insurance companies. When looking at insurance companies these two resources can prove invaluable because they offer information on how the companies provide service overall and how satisfied customers are with the service. The information is easy for all consumers to understand and will easily help to eliminate the worst companies quickly.

Comparing Discount Auto Insurance Companies

One of the best ways a consumer can determine the cost and benefits of discount auto insurance companies is to compare a few companies. Each company should be able to provide a written quote of the premiums and coverage that is being provided if there service is chosen. It may take a little effort but a person can compare the coverage limits, deductible cost and other insurance basics.

Some companies will make up for their discounted prices by having low limits on the coverage provided. Insurance that only pays fifty or one hundred thousand per incident will quickly prove insufficient in a serious accident. The purpose to having insurance is to protect the property and assets of the consumer in the case of accident or other event. There is no point to buying insurance which will not provide good enough coverage even if it is discounted.

References For Discount Auto Insurance

When all other aspects have been reviewed and checked it is good to ask friends and relatives about their dealings with different discount auto insurance companies. Companies tend to develop patterns in their customer service and will quickly show what their true commitment to service and their customer is. If it is hard to find someone with a good experience dealing with a certain company it may be best to avoid this company. When a stressful situation such as a car accident occurs customer service will be a very important issue for the discount auto insurance company.

Considerations When You Compare Auto Insurance Rates

When you start getting serious about your search for new auto insurance, there will come a point when you’ve received a number of quotes. Once you’re hit this point, you need to compare auto insurance rates and make a choice on just what you’re willing to pay. While for some, the only measuring stick they’ll use when they compare auto insurance rates is what comes after the dollar sign, others take a number of factors into considerations. If it’s time for you to compare auto insurance rates, here are some things to consider:

Payment Sizes

One thing to consider when you compare auto insurance rates is whether you’re being quoted for three months, six months, or a year; a great deal can turn out to be not so good if you read the fine print and realize that your quote is for shorter than the standard six month coverage period. How the payments are structured may also matter to you when you compare auto insurance rates. For instance, if two companies offer comparable coverage at comparable rates, but one requires a heavy deposit up front, then you may wan to select the company who requires smaller deposits to start with.

Coverage Amounts

Another thing to look at when you compare auto insurance rates is the amount of coverage you’re receiving for the price you pay. For some, price isn’t an object and they want a lot of coverage. So if you find that a company’s got a great offer and you have money left over in your budget, consider adjusting the coverage you request with that company. In other cases, you’ll have coverage amounts dictated by whoever’s in charge of your car loan, so make sure that inexpensive insurance gives the coverage you need.

Company Reputation And Stability

If you find a company with a great, low price when you compare auto insurance rates and you don’t recognize the name, beware! At the very least, you need to do a little research to find out if your potential insurer is trustworthy or a dud. Some sites will rate insurance companies for you when you compare auto insurance rates through them, while others will leave you to do the hunting on your own. Some companies will offer low rates, but be faltering enough that when it comes time to give you payments for a claim, they don’t keep up their end of the deal. So be knowledgeable about the insurance company you do choose when you compare auto insurance rates, compare coverage and rating periods, and you should end up with good coverage at a low price.

What is Mercury Auto Insurance?

When it comes to auto insurance, everyone wants the best deal they can get while receiving the best customer service available as well. One company that is known for offering both of these things well, is Mercury Auto insurance. Although this insurance company is not a household name, it is known well enough to start creating a buzz.

About the Company

Mercury auto insurance was born in 1961, offering auto insurance coverage to consumers in California. Since then, the company has grown to offer coverage nationwide, and is still the 3rd largest private passenger vehicle provider of insurance today. Mercury has reported to have over 3 billion dollars in assets, and continues to grow on a monthly basis.

Although Mercury auto insurance offers coverage nationwide, it does not offer coverage in every state. Some states you will find Mercury auto insurance in are:

The state of Florida
The state of Georgia
The state of Texas
The state of New York
The state of Virginia
The state of New Jersey
The state of Nevada

Mechanical breakdown and homeowners insurance however, can be found in some states the company doesn’t offer auto insurance in. Mercury auto insurance is thought to be convenient and fair, something most consumers look for in an insurance company.

Do they Have a Website?

Mercury auto insurance has a comprehensive website, www.mercuryinsurance.com. The things you will find on the page include auto quotes, something that’s probably one of the biggest concerns for many consumers. Right online, you can receive a comprehensive and personalized quote for the auto insurance you’re looking for through Mercury.

A drop down list let’s you choose which state you reside in, and if you don’t see it on the list, you can rest assured Mercury doesn’t offer auto insurance in your area. At which point, at least you didn’t waste much time!

Other helpful links on the Mercury auto insurance website include helpful information about their company, investor information, customer information and account maintenance, customer service options and information about career opportunities with the company.

One option on their website that is probably most popular of their customers, is the ability to file, manage and learn about your claims right online. This saves time on the phone, and also allows you a quick look at the information you want now, not later. In the end, Mercury auto insurance is thought of as a top notch insurance option, offering a lot of the things the big guys offer, without the feeling of the huge corporation.