3 Reasons To Buy Insurance Through a Local Agent Instead of Purchasing It Online…

Whether you choose to buy your auto insurance online or at a local insurance agent’s office, you will be asked to provide information on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. You’ll also need to provide your driver’s license number and current insurance information. You might also be asked to provide additional information about your vehicle to provide you the most accurate online auto insurance quote, like mileage and safety features. Have this information handy before you start searching for the best quote. General advice is that it’s possible to get basic coverage online but if you want insurance that is customized for your specific life and property, you will need to reach out to a local agent.

Beware of the Following 3 Problems When Purchasing Insurance Online…

1. Coverage Gaps – Online customers run the risk of obtaining insurance with gaps in coverage that don’t become apparent until you actually need it. Answering a few questions on a pop up screen isn’t the best way to tailor an insurance plan for your specific needs. The best service is the personal service you can get from a local insurance agent.
2. More Expensive – Online insurance purchases may not even be the cheapest option. While some online companies may allow you to compare prices with competitors, they are not always showing you the best prices. Remember: they choose what you get to see. An independent insurance agent is actually in a better position to obtain the most competitive rates available.
3. Security Issues – Shopping online for anything can pose many cyber security risks and privacy concerns — and shopping online for insurance is no different. Purchasing insurance online makes it easier for companies to collect sensitive information that can readily be passed onto to third-party organizations.

3 More Red Flags…

As you go about purchasing an auto insurance policy online, there are several warning signs you need to watch for. If you notice any of the following, it is probably a good sign for you to consider other options:

• The offer seems too good to be true – While some cheaper, high-quality quotes are genuine, others are too good to be true. If you receive a quote that makes you question if it is really real, take it as a sign and be willing to walk away — especially if it sends you to a suspicious landing page or begins asking you detailed information about your bank account.
• The site asks for an excessive amount of information – Online insurance companies do not ask for a ton of information in order to secure a policy. The buying process online is fast and efficient as there is not a need for a ton of forms or documentation. If you feel that the website is asking you for more information than needed, including personal or banking information, you should reach out to the insurance company to verify if it is legit.
• If there is no policy document, then the policy is not real – When you purchase a premium, you should receive the policy document. While there might be some delays, if you haven’t received the policy document in several days, you should reach out to the insurer. They will be able to tell you if they see a delay on their side. The policy needs to be authenticated by reviewing the information including the approved signature, premium calculation, cover details, and more.