Shopping for Car Insurance: Agent vs. Online

If you know your way around the Internet well and you want to shop and compare auto insurance prices quickly, the fastest and most convenient way to get quotes is online. A recent study reported by Reuters revealed that 94 percent of driver’s prefer to shop for auto insurance online, via email, rather than shopping in person or by the phone. And according to a J.D. Power and Associates Insurance New Buyer study (2008), more than 21 percent of all new customer insurance sales were processed entirely online.

While shopping for car insurance online offers convenience and a minimal time commitment, some traditional car insurance shoppers believe that the cons outweigh the pros. For some traditional car insurance shoppers, the thought of shopping exclusively online is too impersonal. And for others, the lack of a live person makes them uneasy, especially when its time to make that first payment or sign on the dotted line. But shopping exclusively online may have another drawback that has little to do with personal feelings and more to do with coverages and insurance laws.

According to Jana Bell, Director of Operations at HomeInsurance.com, "Customers who work with a licensed agent before purchasing their auto insurance policy have a better chance of finding the right coverage and qualifying for all available discounts." Bell goes on to state that, "State and lender requirements vary per customer and a licensed consultant is there to ensure you get the most appropriate coverage for your needs."

The decision to shop for auto insurance online or through an agent may very well come down to personal preference or even savings, but fortunately for those “undecideds” there is a happy medium. Customers that wish to shop and compare the rates of several different auto insurance carriers can compare quotes online and via email initially. Once you have decided that a particular product might be a good match for you, you can call a live agent with any questions or concerns you may have. The insurance agent will cover all bases, then finalize the transaction for you. And with any luck, the agent will be your contact person throughout the life of your policy.

To shop and compare quotes now, visit our quote center. All you have to do is enter your zip code to get started. And yes, it’s free!