An insurance quote is an estimate of what your rate could be with a potential insurance carrier. Quotes are subject to change depending on how much information you give at the time of the quote. The more forthcoming you are with information, the more accurate your insurance quote.
How long does it take to get a car insurance quote?
Getting a single quote should not take much of your time. A lot of factors can affect the amount of time it takes to get an insurance quote. How many drivers and vehicles you have and where you get your quote, can all affect the time it takes to actually get a quote.
Call an insurance agent: You can expect to spend five to ten minutes giving an agent your information. Then it is typical for the agent to call you back with a quote. The call back time can vary from within the hour up to several hours. Your call should be returned on the same day unless you called late in the day. The return phone call will probably take an additional five to ten minutes depending on how many questions you have about the information given to you.
Get a quote online: 15 minutes is advertised as the time it takes to get an insurance quote online. Certainly, the time varies according to your computer skills and how many vehicles you need insurance on. Online quotes require a lot of detailed information in order to get an accurate quote.
How many car insurance quotes should you get?
Three to five insurance quotes should give you a good look at what is available. A quick tip on getting multiple quotes at one time is to utilize independent agents. Independent agents sell insurance through multiple insurance carriers. An independent insurance agent will be able to check with each of its insurance carriers and give you their best rate. Ask an independent agent which companies they quoted you through so you do not get duplicate quotes when calling around.
A couple different online insurance websites give you the opportunity to get quotes from multiple insurance carriers too. You only need to input your information a single time to get quotes from several carriers. Getting multiple quotes at once is a huge time saver regardless if it is from an agent or online.
How do you select the best automobile insurance quote?
Most people pick the best insurance quote based on price. A couple of other things to consider include how efficient the agent was at getting the quote to you and explaining all the information. If you are going the online route, how did you like inputting all of the information on your own? Do you feel comfortable with all the insurance terminology?
Just as important is whether or not the quote has the coverage you need and want. When you are getting quotes on car insurance, you should have each company run the quote a similarly as possible. It is the only way you will know which carrier has the best price for you.
How often should you get automobile insurance quotes?
Getting quotes often is advertised frequently. But, how often should you really be getting insurance quotes? It really depends on your relationship with your insurance agency. If you love your insurance agent and trust them whole heartedly, then maybe you should never shop for a new insurance carrier. There is something to be said for good service.
Sometimes enough is enough when it comes to price though. And, there is nothing to say you can’t find good service somewhere else. If your car insurance premium increases significantly renewal after renewal, it is probably time to start inquiring about new insurance quotes.
To put an actual number on it, you should check around every two to three years unless something is happening to make you unhappy with your current carrier. Getting quotes will give you the information you need to make sure you are still receiving a competitive rate. If the price difference with the new quote is only a little bit cheaper, you should probably stick with what you have.
Automobile insurance quotes are one thing you should be comfortable with as a car owner. Insurance rates are always changing. Checking around for automobile insurance quotes could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
