The top car insurance companies today are all very competitive when it comes to price. Because of this, they are spending loads of cash advertising that they are the least expensive option, and shoppers are now trained to view car insurance as a commodity. So what really distinguishes them from each other? It’s the three C’s: coverage, customer service and claims handling.
Coverage
Without good coverage options, an insurance company really has no product to sell. While many of the top car insurance companies in today’s marketplace appear to have the same coverages at the same price, it’s a good idea to take a closer look under the hood. You might find that something like Uninsured Motorist coverage costs significantly more with one company than another. Even though is is an optional coverage, adding it to your insurance quote may quickly help you distinguish one company’s pricing from another. It’s a good idea to research which optional coverages are right for you before you speak with a salesperson. The quickest way to do this is by contacting a local independent insurance agent who knows all the nuances of car insurance where you live.
Customer Service
As insurance is a service industry, consumers should put a lot of weight on customer service when choosing a car insurance company. It all starts with the sales process. Is the sales representative courteous? Do they listen to your needs? Are they trying to sell you coverages you don’t actually need? Then, you should take a look at what level of customer service you’ll encounter after the sale. Does the company have a helpful website that lets you make payment inquiries and learn more about available coverages? Do you get someone on the phone quickly when you call them or are you prompted for your 16-digit policy number over and over again?
Claims Handling
When it all comes down to it, the way a car insurance company handles claims will make the difference as to whether you will become a short term or a long term customer. If you have to jump through unnecessary hoops just to have your car repaired after an accident, you’re not going to be happy. So make sure you read online reviews or talk to friends who use the company you’re considering to find out how their customers rate their claims experiences.
Conclusion
When evaluating the top car insurance carriers, make sure you pay close attention to coverage, customer service and claims handling. It can save you a lot of heartache down the road. And, if you’d like to learn more about car insurance, call us at 888-971-6304.