Compare Auto Insurance
The following is an actual unbiased experience from a consumer seeking auto insurance quotes via the Internet.
Electric Insurance
This site offers instant quotes if your car is newer than 1988, if its older, a message pops up and says that a representative will be contacting you shortly. I am always in the market for cheaper insurance so I tested it on myself with a 2000 vehicle and a 1984 vehicle.
The so-called representative did reply via email within 24 hrs. I was actually excited when I saw the reply in my inbox but was thoroughly disappointed when I read the quote that was TOTALLY ridiculous, 100% higher than my current rates. My quote should not be used as a comparison due to the area I reside in, New York City, this is a high rate area, and you should factor that into my experiences.
Navigation of the site is fast and easy, all links are clearly marked and arranged in a logical downward trend that helps to speed the lengthy application process.
The part I did not like was when I spent 5 minutes following their commands, only to be denied an instant quote and had to re-enter the same information on a different page. If I was not so desperate for cheaper insurance, I would have ditched the bookmark and gone back to my search engine hit page. Like Geico’s discounts for government employees.
Electric Insurance, of course offers discounts for General Electric employees. Although I did not inquire, Electric offers other forms of insurance services such as homeowners, renters, condo, and auto mechanical.
Insweb
This is by far the most popular site on the net, they are everywhere in fact it’s hard not to find them.
My experience was a little frustrating and two weeks later it’s still going on. I again was shopping and quoted the same cars as above. Again I believe the New York insurance area is obviously a factor, which again sent up red flags.
After the initial form filling on the web, correspondence from that point on is via phone and snail mail.
Another problem I was having was when I forgot an insurance claim from over 4 years ago, they immediately said "have a nice day" with out offering me a risk-adjusted policy, you know one that costs a little more. I actually had to call and say please(just like begging). They readily agreed and that is why I am still waiting. Because I am such a nice guy, they did send me a free 30 minute phone card for being so patient. I like that, Thanks Insweb Insurance Company.
Geico
Geico is the leader in my opinion because they were the first to offer deep discounts to the masses before the Internet came into its own.
Geico was already setup to do business before the Internet with their 24x7 coverage on the telephone that is still available if you prefer to speak with someone. The prices are always competitive, even in the New York market, but you should still shop and compare.
Geico also offers renters and homeowners insurance policy too.
Progressive
Like the others, Progressive is easy to find, there are several pages that will lead you to their site.
If you drive a newer vehicle, 1988 or newer they will offer you an instant quote quickly. The quote must be verified but they are the quickest if you don’t have the time. Their quotes are usually within the price of the others, most of the time they are the cheapest if you have a good record and don’t drive an older vehicle.
If your vehicle is like mine, older the 1988, then you get a pop up message instructing you to call their 800 number. This is preferred over the unpleasant process I went through with Electric Insurance, I wasted no time filling out forms and when I called I received my insurance quote quickly, unfortunately they were so over priced I had to laugh. The agent was very nice and said basically they have been taking a beating in the New York City area and were basically pricing themselves out of the market.
Like Geico Insurance, Progressive Insurance offers 24x7 phone coverage if you need to speak with a representative. The end result was bad but I would try them again without hesitation.
In conclusion you should do as I intend, use the Internet to gather as many quotes as you can. This will make the insurance business more competitive and force the companies to due battle by offering the best price. This is one of the unsung benefits of the Internet, increased competition.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Allstate Insurance and State Farm Insurance. At the time that this was written both companies did not have an online quotation system.
If you want news or information on insurance companies, go to A.M. BEST
Here is a compehensive insurance directory.