Purchasing car insurance online has become a popular trend these days. If you’re looking to buy an online car insurance, learn the pros and cons of the process.
In this post, we’re going to let you know about the pros and cons of buying online car insurance.
Pros of Purchasing Car Insurance Online
Purchasing Car Insurance Anytime Day or Night
The reason why a lot of people are buying online car insurance is they can buy it any time of the day. Gone are the days when you could purchase a car insurance only during the work hours, i.e, between 9 to 5. The convenience is a huge incentive for many people buying online car insurance.
No Waiting Time for Insurance Documents
When you buy a car insurance online, you won’t have to wait for the insurance documents. Most insurance carriers allow you to download them as soon as you’re done purchasing the insurance policy. However, some car insurance carriers do not offer an ID card at the point of purchase online. To be sure, you can ask your insurance carrier about their process before buying your car insurance online.
Get Answers to Insurance Questions Online
It is important to learn about the car insurance before purchasing a car insurance policy. Conventionally, your car insurance agent can answer your questions and explain the policy in detail. However, these days, you could find answers to virtually any questions you may have about online car insurance, thanks to the Internet. Moreover, most insurance carriers these days have great resources on their website as well.
Potential Savings by Skipping the Middleman
Theoretically, purchasing a car insurance online can be more affordable as there’s no involvement of any agent and insurance carrier doesn’t have to pay any commission. However, you need to make sure you’re fully aware of the ins and outs of the car insurance policy you’re buying.
According to Amanda Shore, operations analyst for insurance.com call center, it’s always wise to buy a car insurance through an agent since they can explain features to help you buy the best car insurance policy.
Cons or Purchasing Car Insurance Online
Must Call an 800 Number to Speak with a Person
When you’re buying a car insurance, you will likely come up with questions from time to time. So, it’s really handy to have an insurance agent who can answer your questions. However, in online car insurance, you must call 800 number to speak to an agent. Some people may not find it convenient since it’s an automated process and keeps you on hold.
You Need to be Your Own Insurance Expert
Buying a car insurance online can be a hassle for many as you will not have access to personal insurance agent’s expertise.
When you purchase an online car insurance, you’re essentially on your own, meaning you must do your own research online to stay informed about your policy coverage.
While you can call 800 number, you’ll be assigned to a different agent every time, which may not be ideal for people looking for personal agent
Always consider this aspect before buying an online car insurance policy.
No Help Filing a Claim
A personal agent can be of great help at the time of distress, i.e when you need help filing a claim. While filing a claim for loss or damage doesn’t have to be a complicated process, sometimes, it helps to have a personal agent who is can do the job on your behalf.
Must be Computer Savvy
Before purchasing an online car insurance, you need to fill out information for a can insurance quote. This requires familiarity with a computer. If you’re not really computer savvy, it can be a huge hassle for you to do the research and filling out forms and purchasing a car insurance online.
No Home Insurance Offered for Multi-Policy Discount
If you’re a homeowner, you can benefit from multi-policy discounts. However, many online insurance companies don’t usually offer home insurance coverage on multi-policy discounts. If you don’t own a home, it may not affect your rates, but if you’re a homeowner, you’ll probably miss out on multi-policy discounts.
Bottom Line
Insurance is a serious business and you must ensure you understand the policy inside out. If you’re buying a car insurance online, be sure to shop around and get multiple car insurance quotes to see a good fit for your criteria.
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