Buying car insurance online

According to a J.P. Morgan survey, four out of five consumers prefer to manage their finances online rather than in person. Morgan Chase research Conducting business digitally is often quick and simple. It's no different when it comes to buying and managing car insurance online. Many people prefer to buy auto insurance online because they can chat with an insurance agent and compare multiple quotes.

If you want to buy car insurance online, this article will walk you through the best online car insurance companies, how to figure out what type of coverage you need, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of doing so.

Top Car Insurance Companies In Your Area.

 


What to know before purchasing car insurance online

Before purchasing a policy, you will most likely need information such as your vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license number, and prior insurance history. These particulars may affect your quoted insurance premium, especially if you received a quote based on only partial information.

Because you won't be sitting down with a licensed insurance agent to walk you through the process, you should consider answering the following questions before purchasing insurance online.

  • Is your financial institution requiring you to have certain minimum limits and deductibles if you have a loan or lease on your car? If you require a full coverage policy, you should be aware of this before making a decision.
  • Do you want full coverage if you don't have a loan or lease, or are you satisfied with liability-only coverage? Although most states require a minimum level of liability insurance, many experts recommend purchasing additional coverage. If you were in a car accident and didn't have enough insurance, you'd probably have to pay for your own damages and medical bills.
  • Do you want a business that offers a mobile app? If you prefer to manage your auto insurance online, look for a company that has an easy-to-use mobile app. Some carriers, such as Allstate, provide digital app features such as "QuickFoto Claim," which allows you to submit claims and photos of your accident through the app.
  • Do you want a discount on future policies if you bundle them? Many auto insurance companies offer bundling discounts, which allow you to save money by having multiple insurance policies with the same company.
  • How important is it for your company to have a phone number for customer service in case you have any questions? If customer service is important to you, make sure the company you choose has it. Some companies, such as State Farm and Progressive, provide customer service hotlines that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • What is the claims procedure, and are you comfortable with it? Some claims can be processed using a mobile app, whereas others may require you to file them on a computer or over the phone. Discover what you prefer and what your potential carriers have to offer.

Figure out what types of coverage you want

The type of policy that is best for you is determined by your unique circumstances and preferences. Listed below are a few of the most popular options.

  • Bodily injury and property damage liability: This compensates others for their injuries and property damage if you cause an accident.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you are in an accident with someone who does not have enough coverage to cover the costs of the accident, this coverage will kick in to pay for medical bills and property damage.
  • Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays out regardless of fault when you hit something or someone.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage kicks in to pay for repairs caused by any type of covered damage, such as hitting an animal, damage from inclement weather, or vandalism.
  • Medical payments coverage: Medical payments coverage pays for your and your passengers' medical bills in the event of a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Personal injury protection insurance: PIP pays out regardless of fault and covers losses resulting from an accident, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and even lost wages.

Best online car insurance companies

You're probably wondering where to begin if you want to shop for car insurance online. There are numerous popular auto insurers available, but not all of them may be appropriate for you. To assist you in finding a company that may be right for you, we reviewed numerous auto insurance companies by examining factors such as customer satisfaction, ease of the online application process, available discounts, mobile app availability, and claims satisfaction. The following were the standout features we identified for each of the companies we reviewed:

Company

A Good Option for…

Geico

Convenient mobile app

Allstate

Customer support options

Amica

Easy application process

State Farm

Online claims management

 

Geico

Geico is a company that provides quick and easy quotes as well as generally low rates. Geico has a high customer satisfaction rating, a user-friendly quoting system, and a simple claim filing process. Geico's mobile app is unrivalled in the industry. Within the app, policyholders can do everything from make policy changes to pay a bill and file a claim. You can even save your insurance ID cards for easy access. Furthermore, Geico's website allows you to complete certain tasks without logging in, which is ideal for anyone who frequently forgets their password.

Allstate

Allstate provides its customers with a multi-functional website. Even better, Allstate makes it simple to contact direct customer service if managing your policy on your own becomes too difficult. You can also contact Allstate by e-mail or online chat. Allstate provides a variety of discounts as well as a large number of agents nationwide in the event that you need to speak with someone in person after purchasing your online policy.

Amica

Amica's online application process may appeal to you if you want a simple and hassle-free option. You begin by entering your address and answering a few simple questions to see if you are eligible for a quote. The application is then divided into five simple sections: your information, vehicles, drivers, discounts, and a summary of your quote. You can save a quote and return to it later if you need to take a break from your computer. As an added bonus, Amica received the second-highest claims satisfaction rating from J.D. Power.

State Farm

State Farm provides an easy-to-navigate claims management system that is convenient and well-designed. Choose the type of incident you're dealing with, and the website will walk you through the claims process in five steps. Even third parties who are involved in an accident with a State Farm driver but are not insured with State Farm can set up an account to track a claim. Furthermore, on every claims page, there is a digital chat button that allows you to easily chat with a representative if you have a question.

Online insurance comparison websites

Insurance comparison websites can assist you in purchasing auto insurance online. These websites usually use artificial intelligence to match you with multiple companies and provide you with quotes.

For example, consider an online insurance comparison site. Insurify is an insurance marketplace that can help you save time and money when shopping for insurance. Simply enter your information and preferences, and Insurify will provide you with quotes from multiple providers. The service is free to use and can help you save money by allowing you to compare quotes and buy a policy all in one place.

Pros and cons of buying auto insurance online

Purchasing car insurance online may or may not be your best option. When deciding whether or not to buy insurance online, consider the following benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

Cons

Generating quotes and buying all in one place

May not get personalized guidance from a licensed insurance agent

Quick and easy

Limiting your options to companies who offer to sell policies online

Typically no agent fees

 

 

Purchasing auto insurance can be a great option if you already know what type of policy you need and how much coverage you want. You can get a quote online to see how much you'd have to pay – and the process is usually quick and simple. Even better, you will most likely not have to pay an agent fee.

However, if you are unsure about what type of policy is best for you, it may be best to purchase a policy in person or over the phone. You can then discuss your preferences and needs with a licensed insurance agent, who can direct you to the best policy for you.

Although purchasing insurance online is usually faster and easier, purchasing it in person from an insurance agent may be a better option for those who are unsure of what type of policy they want.

How to save on online auto insurance

Do you want to buy cheap car insurance online? Purchasing car insurance online is not always a less expensive option than more traditional methods. However, this does not preclude you from finding affordable coverage.

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance in the United States is $1,674, but lower rates are possible. Here are some of the simplest methods for saving money on online auto insurance:

  • Shop around: Because the online quoting process is usually straightforward, it may be in your best interest to obtain quotes from multiple companies. As long as you get quotes for the same coverage, you should be able to compare rates and choose the most affordable option.
  • Bundle your policies: If you insure more than one policy with the same insurance company, you may be eligible for a multi-policy discount. If you already have a homeowners or renters policy, you should compare it to your car insurance policy to see how much of a discount you will receive.
  • Investigate every possible discount: Many car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. You may be eligible for a lower premium based on your driving record, grades, employer, vehicle safety features, and even frequency of driving.

When comparing prices, keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best option. Make certain that you are getting quotes for the coverage you require, not just the cheapest available. If you are unsure how much coverage to purchase, it may be best to begin your search for auto insurance by speaking with a licensed agent.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best online car insurance company?

The best online car insurance company will be determined by what you want in your car insurance. You can shop around to help determine the best car insurance company for your situation, whether you want an efficient claims portal or a convenient mobile app.

Can I get car insurance immediately?

In most cases, yes. In fact, buying car insurance online is a great way to get car insurance quickly because you can usually get quotes and buy a policy all in one place. Several carriers also allow you to purchase a policy over the phone in a hurry.

Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online?

Premiums differ from driver to driver based on factors such as driving history, location, and age. It may be less expensive to buy car insurance online because you will not have to pay agent fees. However, you may be able to find lower rates in person because agents can alert you to discounts that you may have missed online. Overall, it is determined by your specific circumstances.