It seems like every time you turn on the television, you encounter a commercial that asks whether you're paying too much for your car insurance. Chances are your insurer won't be champing at the bit to tell you the answer, so the burden is on you to find out. But with an Internet connection and a little planning, you can do it on your lunch hour.
Whether you're shopping for your first policy or looking for a better rate, going online is a gateway to a world of auto insurance quotes and information about the companies that issue them. As you'll see, low cost is just one factor to consider. Let's take a look at five tips to keep in mind when you go online to buy car insurance.
While there is a seemingly endless number of companies issuing auto insurance policies these days, there are really just two ways to buy car insurance: You can purchase a policy in-person through an agent -- a licensed individual who sells policies on behalf of one or more insurance companies -- or you can buy directly from an insurer via Web site or telephone.
Buying car insurance online still accounts for a relatively small portion of total auto insurance sales, but it's increasing in popularity. According to a 2011 survey by the Internet marketing Research Company ComScore, just 20 percent of new auto insurance policies were purchased online, compared to 43 percent purchased from an agent. However, the number of online purchases represents an increase of 5 percent from just two years earlier, while the number of agent purchases represents a 6 percent decline. Additionally, a 2011 survey by J.D. Power and Associates showed that 54 percent of new auto insurance owners applied for a rate quote online, the first time this has happened for a majority of respondents
Whether you're shopping for your first policy or looking for a better rate, going online is a gateway to a world of auto insurance quotes and information about the companies that issue them. As you'll see, low cost is just one factor to consider. Let's take a look at five tips to keep in mind when you go online to buy car insurance.
While there is a seemingly endless number of companies issuing auto insurance policies these days, there are really just two ways to buy car insurance: You can purchase a policy in-person through an agent -- a licensed individual who sells policies on behalf of one or more insurance companies -- or you can buy directly from an insurer via Web site or telephone.
Buying car insurance online still accounts for a relatively small portion of total auto insurance sales, but it's increasing in popularity. According to a 2011 survey by the Internet marketing Research Company ComScore, just 20 percent of new auto insurance policies were purchased online, compared to 43 percent purchased from an agent. However, the number of online purchases represents an increase of 5 percent from just two years earlier, while the number of agent purchases represents a 6 percent decline. Additionally, a 2011 survey by J.D. Power and Associates showed that 54 percent of new auto insurance owners applied for a rate quote online, the first time this has happened for a majority of respondents
