Compare the Best Car Insurance Company: Top Rated Coverage Quotes

April 20, 2010

Finding the best car insurance company requires research and a bit of legwork. Searching for new insurance takes time but in the end it can end up saving you hundreds of dollars per year. Follow these steps to find the best insurance company for your needs.

Assess Your Needs - Before you start contacting insurance companies, sit down and determine what type of coverage and limits you need. These will vary depending on the age and condition of your vehicle. Your personal financial situation will also factor into the type of coverage you need, as well as the age and experience of the drivers in your household.
Discounts - Always ask for any discounts that you are eligible for. Insurance companies give discounts for many different reasons, so make sure you ask. A few examples would be good student discounts safe driver, passing a defensive driving course as well as a car loaded with safety features. You can also save money if you are insuring more than one car or you have multiple policies with the same insurer.
Online or Agent - Getting car insurance quotes is pretty easy these days. You can quickly check online and get quotes from all the major insurance companies without leaving the comfort of your home. If you don't have access to the Internet or would prefer dealing with a person, contacting an independent agent is probably the best idea. If you are not sure of the what type of coverage you need it is best to deal directly with an agent. Which method you use will be dependent on your own personal needs and preferences.
Online Quotes - If you decide to start your search online, you should get quotes from both direct sites and consolidator sites. The direct sites allow you get quotes and purchase policies directly from name brand companies such as Progressive and State Farm. Consolidator sites give you quotes from numerous companies all from one website.

Direct Sites

A few of the major sites to check would be:

Progressive.com - Progressive provides you with their quote along with quotes from a number of other top agencies. This feature can save you some time, but it is best to check the competitor sites directly to make sure you are getting the best rate possible.
State Farm, Nationwide and Geico - These sites will provide you with an instant quote and allow you to purchase policies online if you are satisfied with the quote. They are all easy to use and get high marks from customers and industry critics.

Consolidator Sites

There are a number of consolidator sites. Here are a couple of the best ones.

Insurance.com - This websites does not actually sell insurance. They provide you with quotes from roughly 15 insurance providers and then link you to the insurer's site if you find a quote you like.
Netquote - Netquote provides you with quotes from many different companies and local agents. The website is filled with helpful articles and tips that explain the ins and outs of insurance. The site gets good reviews from its customers.

Every person's situation is different as are their insurance needs, so finding the best company for you is a highly personal search. It pays to do your research and get quotes from as many insurers as possible. Read car insurance reviews and make sure you are comparing equivalent coverages when shopping. Searching for car insurance can be a hassle, but in the end it could save you hundreds every year.