Over the course of the last ten years, the tremendous growth of the Internet, and the advantages offered by the development of the technology that powers the Internet, have made the spread of information much more convenient for most people. Shopping online is now a favorite pastime of many, and shopping for insurance is no exception.
Shopping for insurance quotes is so much easier now than it was simply ten years ago. Ten years ago, getting a quote for your insurance rate for your auto insurance policy, homeowners insurance policy or life insurance plan meant a drive down to your local insurance agent’s office, giving out your information to a secretary, or office clerk, because, of course, the insurance agent was usually to busy to actually sit down and meet with you.
Sitting there in the sickeningly quiet and horridly boring office with Muzak playing out on some tinny speaker stuck in some dusty white ceiling tile. While the secretary actually called in your information to some other secretary in some other boring office, probably listening to the same boring Muzak snooze fest, meant waiting for hours, and sometimes days for them to get back to you. If you got lucky they actually got back to you within a few hours, and gave you a rate that was mysteriously crafted out of nowhere. Pay this or else… There wasn’t much of a choice because the thought of going to another office to repeat the same experience was just too terrible to behold, so you just went with it, just to get it over with.
Well, my friend, those days are long gone now in the brave new world of online quotes, where it seems that every other site you visit wants to give you a free, no obligation insurance quote guaranteed to save you money or else! But, do these free, online insurance quotes really worth it? And, just how easy are they to get? Are they accurate, or is just one big waste of time?
Many insurance agents are taking full advantage of the Internet, and the opportunity to offer in seconds what used to take hours, and even days just ten years ago. insurance agents and insurance companies are setting up massive web sites to provide all the information anyone could want about insurance policies. That works out great for the consumer because they no longer have to visit their insurance agent’s office in person. Today’s modern insurance agent, supported by their friendly insurance company all have beautifully designed, snazzy-looking web sites with the capability to provide insurance quotes immediately with the barest of personal information provided by the insurance shopper.
By providing free insurance quotes, insurance agents and their insurance companies are helping consumers greatly by letting them learn more about what is available to them in regards to their insurance policies. Information is good for the consumer until it gets to be too much information. Now, some consumers realize that we have the opposite problem. Which insurance policy or plan do we choose because, quite frankly they all look the same. There are differences but what is important, and what is not important. What can I save money on, and what should I not try to save money on. Let’s face it, we buy insurance to protect ourselves, but how do we protect ourselves when we are drowning in information.
It is so easy to get insurance quotes from many different companies, and many different plans or programs, and even from a a wide variety of agents who aren’t even in the same city as the shopper. What’s a responsible consumer to do?
Most insurance quote sites work the same way. When the consumer visits the insurance agent’s or insurance company’s web site, they are asked to fill out a short form. After filling out the form, out comes a ton of different plans and options which include the promised insurance rate quotes. the better insurance quote sites will often provide a toll-free phone number that one can call to receive more information, or sign up on the spot.
Getting free insurance quotes instantly online without having to speak to someone is very handy for many consumers, however, it may not always be the right approach to purchasing the protection that you need. It is dangerous to buy insurance solely based on price. Buying insurance on price like any other product can leave you seriously unprotected, and may expose your assets, and family’s well being to danger in case your coverage does not completely cover your exposure to possible claims.
Free insurance quotes are a great way to learn about what types of policy’s are available to you, but speaking to a knowledgeable insurance agent is often the best way to purchase the coverage that you need. A knowledgeable and friendly insurance agent can help you learn exactly what kinds of exposures you are liable to find in the real world. Some of these dangers may never happen to you, but if they do and you have gaps in your coverage that leave you exposed, the consequences could be very damaging to you and your family’s financial well being.
What are your thought’s about free insurance quotes, and the proliferation of web sites offering these free quotes. Are they a boon for consumers, or a dangerous trend that hurts consumers. Have any experience purchasing an insurance policy online. Tell us all about it and share your experience with us.
Tags: consumer advice, Insurance, insurance agents, insurance quotes, shopping online, technology
