Thanks to the Internet, buying auto insurance is easier than ever. It’s very easy to get multiple auto insurance quotes online at once from different companies, all in one place. The downside is that you will have to take the time to compare them to decide which is the best option for you. To help make the process go faster, you should have all of your information prepped and ready to go.
Whenever you get an auto insurance quote online, whether through an agent or directly, you’ll need to provide certain documentation, such as your driver’s license, vehicle make/model, address, VIN, age, social security number, etc. Like it or not, there are certain age groups that are considered “higher risk” than others. Your location can also play a role in the types of listings you receive, especially if you live in an area prone to extreme weather and road conditions, or where there is a high crime rate.
If your vehicle has certain safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, GPS, and an alarm system, you may qualify for a discount when you shop for auto insurance quotes online. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts to safety-conscious drivers. Plus, you can potentially save even more by taking a defensive driving course.
Other Factors Affecting Online Auto Insurance Quotes
Another possible factor that affects the quotes you’ll get is your credit score. People with bad credit will have a harder time getting a good rate on their car insurance. If you have bad credit, the best thing to do is try to find as many discounts as possible. Some insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts, so you’ll probably be eligible for at least one of them.
When it comes to age and gender, men tend to pay higher rates than women, as women are considered to be more cautious when driving. Additionally, drivers under the age of 25 are statistically more likely to be careless, which is why they are generally charged higher premiums. However, if you’re a student who gets good grades, you’ll probably be eligible for a discount.
There’s something newer that some insurance companies are offering called “usage-based insurance.” This means they are giving drivers the option to control their driving through a mobile app in exchange for potential discounts and lower premiums.
A good company that offers this type of application, as well as auto insurance quotes online, is Esurance. Check out their “DriveSense” feature, which is free for anyone to use. Whoever signs up as a customer can save a lot of money.