How to Compare Discount Auto Insurance Quotes Online

The Internet is a great resource for so many things it's hard to imagine living without it. Take discount auto insurance for example. In the old days finding a great price on car insurance meant calling a large group of insurance companies and listening to long-winded sales pitches before you ever got to the solid numbers. And even customers willing to use a local, independent agent still had to wait for days at a time before hearing back from them.

Thankfully, the Internet has changed all that by providing us the ability to compare discount auto insurance quotes online from the comfort of our own homes. With one free evening and some creative web browsing we can have all the quotes we need, ready to be compared the next day. If you're not familiar with how do this, keep reading and we'll explain the entire process.

Quote Searching Websites

The first step is to decide whether you want to use a quote searching website or head directly to the websites of individual insurance companies. Efficiency would dictate the former option rather than the latter, but to each, their own. If you plan to use a quote searching website keep in mind that there are two different kinds

The first kind collects your information and forwards it to insurance companies that sell policies in your area. Those insurance companies then contact you with their own estimates, essentially competing for your business.

The other kind of quote search website culls information from a database of average insurance prices from participating providers. When you enter your information the quote tool compares it to the database and returns a list of estimates from the top companies. From there you would contact the providers of your choice to request an online quote.

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    It's Time to Compare

With quotes in hand it's time to compare them side by side. Some people prefer to open each quote on the computer in a separate window, then tab between them as they compare. Others like to print the quotes on paper so they can see them next to one another on a table. Whatever way works for you is fine. Just set it up in such a way that it allows you to refer back and forth as you go through each individual item. If you can't do this easily you're likely to get frustrated and give up.

When you're comparing discount auto insurance quotes you’re looking at some very specific things. For example, do all of your quotes provide just the minimum amount of liability required by law, or do some offer higher liability amounts? Do the quotes include a price for collision and comprehensive coverage? And finally, what are the annual limits and deductibles on the various types of coverage

The Bottom Line

When you're done with your comparison you be left with bottom-line prices for all of the potential policies. But remember, bottom-line price is not everything. You need to make sure you get enough coverage to meet your needs at the best possible price. But don't skimp on adequate coverage just to save a few dollars. That type of thinking can come back to bite you in the event of an accident.

When you've decided on your top three or four car insurance companies you can then play them against one another to try to bring the prices down. Trust us when we say the initial quote offered to you is usually not as low as a company is willing to go. Like just about any industry there is some negotiating room for you to take advantage of. With a couple of emails back and forth you might be surprised at how much you can knock off some of your estimates.

Finishing up the Process

Before you make your ultimate decision the last thing you need to compare are the payment terms. Some insurance companies offer significant discounts if you're able to pay the policy in full, up front. And while just about every modern insurance company makes some provision for installment payments, some companies charge more for the convenience than others. Payment options may alter your final price enough that it would cause you to choose one insurance company over another. So pay attention to this.

After all is said and done you will agree to a given policy and make your payment arrangements. Your insurance company will provide you with a copy of the policy, its declaration pages, and an insurance ID card if it's required in your state. Remember, when it comes up for renewal you're free to start the whole process over again; you can compare discount auto insurance quotes as often as you want. You're never required to stay married to your car insurance company for life.