Car Insurance Estimate

Reader’s Question:

I’m currently on the lookout for new car insurance coverage (I’m dropping my old one because they’re ripping me off!) I’d like to know how I can find a way to get a car insurance estimate or quote so I have an idea what rates I can get. Any suggestions?

Nielson

Dutch Fork, SC

There are three ways that you can do this, all with varying levels of success and ease. 1). you can flip-open the phonebook and call-up every car insurance company you find, speak to agents, and get rate estimates. 2). you can go to an agency or office and hire a broker to search the best rates for you. 3.) you can take matters into your own hands and use the Internet to locate the latest rates and get a good car insurance estimate.

The best approach really is subjective but let’s put it this way, the first option is definitely time-consuming and hardly anyone who does anything relevant for a living can afford to spend that much time. The second option is faster but costs you and even then there is no guarantee that the broker has your best-interest in mind (commission?).

The third one is a fast and convenient alternative. You only need a computer and Internet connection. You just spend a few minutes putting some information in (e.g. age, zip code, type of vehicle to be insured, etc.) and you instantly get the latest car insurance rate quotes. Not only do you get a reliable car insurance estimate from many different insurers, you actually maximize your time and ability to find the best offers for you.

Independent rating agencies like A.M. Best and J.D. Powers are also great resources. They rate many different companies from various industries under categories like best customer service, best pricing, most financially stable, etc. This kind of information is usually available online for free and can help you choose the best-overall car insurance companies today.