Shopping Tips – Auto Insurance

Be sure to review coverage choices carefully. Some companies offer limited coverage for a low price and better coverage for only a few more dollars. Quotes from two companies may seem close but have different levels of coverage. Use OPIC’s Auto Insurance Shopping Guide checklist to ask questions about coverage.

Make sure to get quotes from several different companies. Independent agents sell insurance for more than one company. Others, called captive agents, sell policies for one company. Include both independent and captive agents in your shopping. Some price quotes may be three times higher than others, for similar policies.

When shopping online, review the info displayed by the website or application. Some electronic databases may have vehicle or personal info that isn’t right. If it’s not, call the company for a more accurate quote. Some companies may ask for your social security number – carefully consider whether to provide it.

Be sure to let them know if you drive for Uber or Lyft, deliver food or other items for pay, or use your vehicle for business. You may need a different kind of coverage for that. Make sure to give complete and true info when applying for insurance or you might not have coverage for an accident!