Car Insurance Articles
Steps to Getting a Car Insurance Quote Online
2009-06-26
Getting car insurance quotes online is a quick, easy way to examine and compare policies before choosing one.
To get a car insurance quote online, start by gathering some information. Have on hand:
• Your current car insurance policy’s expiration date and policy limits.
• Driver’s license information.
• Dates of accidents or tickets, especially in the past five years.
• Information on each car you want to insure; make, model and sub model; year; VIN number.
• An idea of the coverage you want.
The next step is to enter your zip code on the "Free Quotes" form found on any page of CarInsuranceQuotes.com. Then click on any of the companies listed to get a free quote quickly and efficiently.
Choose three to six car insurance companies and request quotes online. Be sure to get a quote from your homeowner and health insurance companies; they may offer multiple-policy discounts. Also check insurers recommended by friends, associations, credit unions, etc.
In preparing your car insurance quote, each company will ask questions about:
• Name, address, e-mail, phone number, date of birth.
• The car(s) you want insured; their primary use.
• Employment status, career field, student or marital status.
• Home ownership.
• Your driving record.
• Membership in organizations that could get you an insurance discount. For example, members of AARP can get a discount car insurance quote from The Hartford. Many alumni associations and professional organizations have arrangements with specific insurers.
Note that the company will check your driving record, consumer history such as credit reports, and other personal information.
After you’ve completed the application, which may take from 2 to 10 minutes, you may receive an insurance quote online or by e-mail. They’ll urge you to purchase right now, but print out the quote and study it carefully before making a decision.
Compare your printed quotes: policy coverage, options, payment plans, etc.
Change some deductible amounts, such as bodily injury liability or collision coverage, to see how much the quoted premiums change.
Ask for different quotes with and without coverage options, such as emergency road service, rental reimbursement, safety glass, or towing.
Check each quote to see whether you’ve received all the discounts that may apply: safe driver, defensive driver course, multiple policies, and age. If your birthday’s coming up, find out whether being a year older will lower your premiums.
Follow up with a phone call to clarify other questions. Ask if you’ll have a local agent. Check the company’s record of consumer complaints through Consumer Reports, the Better Business Bureau, J.D. Power or another agency.
Do your best to remain informed so that you can immediately understand if you're investing in a policy suitable to the needs of you and your family.