We all know online insurance is here to stay. But if something as big as financial protection is easy to purchase; why do people get so irrationally picky when it comes to the insurance they purchase? If you’re nodding your head no, you may need to ask a person who actually purchased the very cheap/easy/local insurance and found themselves in a major car accident. It only happens, occasionally, that group of local agents gets to chat with individuals in this predicament all the time. So what’s the hold-up?
Insurance fraud occurs when an agent makes up a policy or offers the client something that is not on the offer to the client. In the case of online insurance companies, the client can lie about his/her driving history and current mileage in order to receive a multi-policy discount. In other words, you can lie about your age, health status, marital status, and more to receive discounts from different insurance companies. Liars will find it very hard to believe that this is really happening, but it is happening. The best way to fight insurance fraud is to educate yourself about the different online insurance policies available to you and choose those which are most beneficial.
A multi-policy discount can be obtained by purchasing more than one type of insurance from the same insurer. For example, if you are purchasing a multi-policy discount with an online-only car insurance policy and another one at your job, complete the request forms for both policies with one “Signature” line. Simply tell the insurer your new coverage is available at your new employer and ask them to email you the details. The easiest way to do this is to print out the pertinent forms and keep them handy so you don’t forget.
Another way to receive multiple discounts is to purchase your auto or homeowners insurance policies online. Many companies offer special discounts for policy holders who purchase more than one type of coverage from the same company. Also, multi-policy holders may be eligible for discounts based on the volume of coverage they have purchased from an insurer. For example, if you purchase two different insurance policies from the same insurer, your multi-policy discount will be doubled. So, if you already have homeowner and auto coverage options through the same company, consider purchasing another policy to add onto what you have.
If you own a vehicle that is paid for in full every month (as in, you do not have any outstanding loans), your vehicle is considered “free and clear.” Because of this, your auto insurance rates will typically be lower. Some insurers will even offer incentives for maintaining a “paid in full” car insurance policy. If your provider offers you any savings on your monthly premiums, take advantage of it.
Some automobile insurers will issue an insurance card to their policyholders. These cards can either be purchased at your local office, through the Internet, or via telephone. The cost of the insurance card will vary from insurer to insurer, but most charge around fifteen dollars each. This type of card can be used to make insurance payments at any participating automotive office.
While an online insurance company may offer you great prices on your automobile insurance, the best place to get a solid quote is from an independent agent. A professional agent will spend the extra time it takes to gather the various rates from several different companies. After spending time gathering rates from these companies, an agent will call you with their quotes. Call the 800 number on the card for your local auto insurance provider and ask them to send you a quote.
When you purchase car insurance online, be sure to check your quotes and contact with your provider to see which quotes are the lowest. While you may be tempted to purchase the most expensive quote available, keep in mind that if you ever need to file a claim, it will be much easier to do so with a lower monthly premium. By following these tips, you will be able to find the best car insurance companies that offer affordable rates for your needs.
