4 Things to Know When Buying Auto Insurance Online

Reader’s Question:

A friend got her auto insurance policy over the Internet and I have to admit its way cheaper than what I’m paying for. Am I losing out here for not shopping for coverage online?

Paris

Naperville, IL

The great thing about the Internet is not that it exclusively has the best deals, but that it makes it much easier and faster for people to get the best deals available. If you are interested in getting a more competitive auto insurance policy online, here are some tips to help you out:

1. Use Insurance Comparison Websites – The website you’re on right now is a good example of one. Get a free online auto insurance quote and compare offers coming from a wide-selection of auto insurers available in your area. This is a great way to find the best offers quickly and easily.

2. Consult Independent Rating Agency Sites – You want to check out the websites of A.M. Best, J.D. Powers, and other independent rating agencies. In a nutshell, they will tell you which companies are the best, and which are just the rest. You will find this information useful when looking for a quality auto insurer to go with.

3. Visit Your State’s Department of Insurance Homepage – Just Google the one for your state. This website will contain important auto insurance information like state minimum coverage requirements and the likes. This is something that you should check out before buying a policy.

4. Go to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Site – Get crucial insights with how certain insurers or companies in your area do business. The BBB can help you know about shady business practices and about the companies that treat their customers well.

There are tons of other websites offering helpful information about auto insurance, but the four mentioned above should get you off on a good start.

How To Save On Young Driver Car Insurance in Illinois

Reader’s Question:

Were trying to help our son build a good credit history and since car insurance here in Illinois costs too much for a young driver, we elected to put him as a named driver on our policy. What else can we do to save on car insurance?

Warren

Naperville, IL

Putting your son under your own car insurance policy there in Naperville, Illinois is definitely a good idea. And in the meantime, until he graduates and gets his first job, (and eventually decide he needs to get car insurance on his own) here are a few other ways on how your son can start to build a good driving history which is key into getting good car insurance deals in the future.

Do Defensive Driving

A good foundation on safe and responsible driving habits will serve your son well for many, many driving years to come. Start early and find accredited defensive driving classes or schools in your area, you can even make it a family project, not only will this help your son learn the skills of safer driving but it can also qualify you for discounts towards your car insurance policy.

Good Grades Go Far

The better he maintains his academic performance, the better chances of your son being able to get competitive rates for first time policy holders in the future. Most auto insurers will also provide a good student discount if your son is able to maintain an average of at least a B or higher.

Follow The Rules

Your son should be aware of the gravity of any moving violations, drunk driving or car accidents could cause on his record and to his ability to get good car insurance in the future. Admittedly, first time policy holders rates are expensive but why make it higher due to some reckless driving incidences?rules are there to keep everyone, including your son, safe.