Calling ten (or even five or three) auto insurance agents to get quotes
can be a tedious, time-consuming process. Especially when you
account for time spent on hold, being transferred to the wrong person, and
explaining for the umpteenth time the number of miles you drive in a year.
Fortunately, finding auto insurance quotes doesn't have to be that
way. There are a number of ways you can get reliable auto insurance
quotes, including:
Through the Internet. Sites like
Insure.com,
Netquote.com,
and
Insurance.com
will allow you to enter your information once, and then receive auto
insurance quotes from a number of insurance companies. Even if you
don't go through the Internet to purchase your auto insurance policy, it
can be a great tool for finding out what market rates are.
By contacting one of the insurance companies that sells directly to
individuals rather than through an agent. Some of these firms
include Allstate, State Farm, and Geico Direct, as well as Amica, USAA,
and 21st Century. Most of these companies offer quotes through
their offices, over the phone, or on the Internet.
By contacting an independent insurance agent. An independent
agent has the advantage of being able to shop a variety of different
companies to find auto insurance quotes for you. But it's
essentially the same thing you can do on the Internet yourself, except
with an agent you pay more, to cover the agent's fee.
If you don't have a record of being insured, or have a very imperfect
record, you may have to check out one of the substandard insurers.
They will charge you more, but they may be your only option if you have
been involved in several accidents, for example. The list of
substandard insurers includes Allstate and State Farm, both of which
are also standard insurers, as well as Progressive and Viking.
Whichever way you find your quotes, it is a good idea to check out the
insurance companies through a reputable rating firm like
A.M. Best Company or
Standard and Poor's.