Price vs Service: Picking an Auto Insurance Provider

There are plenty of philosophical debates that create controversies. For instance, how many times have you heard people argue about what came first, the chicken or the egg? The answer is probably too many to count on one or both hands. Today’s topic can similarly stir debate. Should you pick an auto insurance provider based on price or service?

Depending on who you ask, you’re likely to get a whole host of different answers to this question. That’s because each option comes with pros and cons. So, before choosing an insurance provider because of price or service, make sure you’ve weighed the good and the bad. Then, you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing that you made an intelligent decision. 

Research Reviews Online

One of the first things you should do when looking for a new insurance provider is research companies online. For instance, if Allstate has your interest piqued, search for Allstate insurance reviews via Google, Bing, or another search engine. But, of course, you can also sub in other names like Geico or Progressive to see what people are saying about them.

You can also visit the Better Business Bureau website or Yelp.com to determine what an insurer brings to the table. It may not be possible to learn everything you want from testimonials. However, some individuals could be talking about price, while others discuss service. Therefore, this is an excellent place to start mulling pros and cons. 

Save Money Shopping by Price

Obviously, one of the primary benefits of shopping for auto insurance based on price is that the venture can save you money. Some consumers just like to be thrifty and don’t want to pay more for something than they should. Meanwhile, others work, work, and work some more, trying to make ends meet. They live paycheck to paycheck and must find cheap auto insurance to ensure their budgets can handle the load. 

You Get What You Pay for

Shopping by price might get you into trouble, as you could land with a cut-rate insurance company. The rate will undoubtedly be low, but the agency may also have pitfalls. Common complaints that tend to follow these insurers include:

• High deductibles
• The policy excludes friends and family
• Subpar to poor customer service
• Low coverages
• Limited car repair coverage
  

Hence, if you wish to avoid headaches in the long run, it might be a good idea to look at factors besides price when searching for an insurance provider. Then, you’ll find a company that accommodates all your coverage, service, and cost requirements. Just keep in mind that you sometimes get what you pay for and nothing more when shopping by price. 

Easy Claims Process

Are you all about customer service and an easy claims process? If that’s the case, find an insurer that exceeds in those departments. When you’re hurt in an auto accident, the last thing you need is a representative giving you the runaround. Nor will you want to get taken advantage of if your car is beaten up, mangled, and undrivable. Thus, do yourself a favor and check to see if a company is up to par regarding customer service and an easy claims process before giving them your business. You’ll be happy that you did if an accident ever enters the picture.

Various Discounts Available

Don’t be afraid of high prices. Many insurers offer their clients discounts to help them save. So, even if the quote you receive seems steep, that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the total you’ll pay in the end. Many of the top insurance providers reward their customers for different reasons. For example, State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and others have defensive driving discounts.

Then, providers like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive give low mileage discounts. And who can forget Liberty Mutual with its safe driver discount or Farmers and its accident-free discount? The point is that you can probably get a stellar deal from almost any insurer, thanks to discounts. Therefore, ask local or online agents about what their respective companies can do for you in this regard. 

The amount you’ll save will vary depending on which insurance company you use. However, these examples should give you an idea of what to expect. At Geico, policyholders can get up to 10-percent off applicable coverage for completing defensive driving courses. Meanwhile, after finishing six hours of defensive driving, Allstate customers can get up to a ten percent discount. Or, if you purchase multiple policies from a single insurer, a discount of up to 25-percent could head your way. 

Ask Friends and Family Members for Their Opinions

If you can’t come up with the information you seek to decide if you should pick an auto insurance provider because of price or service, don’t underestimate the use of word-of-mouth advertising. Get in touch with people you can trust and ask about their experiences with particular insurers. You can discuss multiple topics, including price and service, with these individuals to get a feel for what the company is about. 

Some Final Words

Picking an auto insurance provider can be tricky and challenging. Naturally, you want the very best service for the very best price, but it can be easier said than done to get those two things aligned. However, with a little ingenuity and effort, you should have no problem becoming a policyholder of one of the best insurers in the industry.