One of the best ways to identify reliable insurers, according to us is to contact local body shops that you trust and ask for their recommendations. Body shop managers have unique perspective to offer, since they regularly interact with insurance adjusters. They know which companies have the smoothest claim processes, which affects how quickly the work can be completed on a damaged vehicle. And they know which companies are pushing aftermarket parts, in lieu of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, to cut costs.
Some insurance companies have chosen to eliminate the agent and use the mail, the telephone, or the internet to sell their products. The property and casualty companies are always in a battle for market penetration. The insurance companies have to walk a fine line between new acquisitions and exprende to do business. This is important information for the consumer because they are the ones making the final decision on who is winning. The best insurance companies for you may be completely different than one preferred by your next door neighbour. Time and experience have a way of guiding you to your choice of companies.
If you've done your homework, you should already have a list of a car insurance companies with the lowest premium quotes. Now get down the companies with the lowest (or best) complaint ratios. Then, compare your two lists - the companies that rank best on both lists merit your strongest consideration.
Also decide the amount of coverage you want. Decide whether you want 20.000 $ coverage per accident or 100.000 $ coverage per accident. Normally, people will try to save money and choose a lower coverage. Personally, I would recommend choosing full coverage that would cover an accident fully. The reason is beacuse the price difference between the two are minimal compared to the amount of they cover. For example, the difference maybe 10$ amount which means 120 $ a year; however if you get into an accident, the insurance policy will pay you maybe 80.000 rather than 20.000. You see the difference?
FOr the general consumer, looking up these ratings is only a formality, since most of the well-known carriers are going to be a safe bet. Moreover independent agents would be unlikely to recommend a company either dubious financial standing. Still, if you're considering a smaller , unfamiliar insurance carrier, you might consider this research time well spent. Insurance companies often provide this information on their Web sites, but if not, you can run a personal search for the Best onle companies.
Of course we know you have better things to do with your time than think about car insurance. Realistically, most people won't be able to do everything on this list begore choosing an insurance carrier. But if you feel that you've been burned during the claims process in the past, consider at least one or two of these suggestion - you'll thank yourself if you're ever involved in another accident.