I know several people who have submitted their information into one of the many “online auto insurance quotes” and now they have solicitors all over them, on their phone, emails, junk mail and even one case of Social Security Identity theft. So my question is: Are these online auto insurance quotes really safe? Doesn’t it make sense to stay with a local auto insurance agent you can do business with either on the phone or in person.
7 Comments Already
April 5th, 2010 @2:51 pm
Beth, Try getting an online insurance quote from one of the major insurance providers.
April 5th, 2010 @3:49 pm
Stick with the major carriers websites. Avoid web sites not associated with a major carrier that offer comparative quotes. The quotes you receive will be estimates and the result will be that the policy will not be issued at the price that was quoted.
You might also look to be sure you are on a secured site. look for “https” in the URL.
I agree about using an agent because he or she can advise you as to what coverages you should select. Price is certainly important but having the proper coverage is too.
April 5th, 2010 @4:45 pm
They’re not accurate. As to safe, they harvest your information and sell it as leads to agents.
So it’s not private, either.
If you want an online quote, you can get one at progressive.com, or geico.com, which will be accurate, and the info won’t be sold. But if you go to one that “quotes multiple companies”, you’re going to get harvested.
April 5th, 2010 @4:59 pm
Stick with larger carriers in your state that use an agency distribution system. It’s really hard to beat a State Farm or Nationwide policy in the long run.
April 5th, 2010 @5:56 pm
Most insurance companies’ websites are secure. It’s the local or small insurance co that dont have secure websites and bind coverage for small periods of time. As far as online quotes are concerned if you dont provide a VIN # at the time of quoting, the quote is pretty much a “ball park” figure. Without the VIN, the quote will rate the vehicle as far as statistics are concerned and you as the principal operator. Of course there are MANY factors that come into play when rating is taken into consideration on an auto policy.
April 5th, 2010 @6:34 pm
Hello Beth,
In order to receive an accurate quote for auto insurance personal information such as address, date of birth, drivers license number, and social security number are required. This is exactly the information identity thieves need to destroy your financial credibility. Another concern is unwanted solicitors contacting you. It is completely unnecessary to receive an accurate quote for your car insurance by submitting this information online. It does indeed make perfect sense to make contact with an insurance agent in person or on the telephone.
When contacting an agent in person or on the phone be sure and ask a few questions of your own, such as, how long they have been in business, and how will they safeguard your personal information. If you don’t like the answers say thanks and hang up. If your reasonably confident with the person your speaking to then proceed. Another benefit of speaking with a “live” agent is your ability to ask questions and receive professional advice.
you can have your identity riped of an these web sites will even say your identity is safe an confidential but they are not be very careful