Online Car Insurance Comparisons
Many people looking to buy a new car insurance policy do so for financial reasons; they want to save money so will shop around for the cheapest quote. Before rushing out to buy the cheapest policy, however, it’s important to take at least three companies to compare policy details and examine what discounts may be available for certain conditions like sole driver, annual rather than monthly payments or an increase in the policy excess in the event of an accident.
Car Insurance Companies
The car insurance market is highly competitive with price being the main driving factor. It is worth checking the finer detail, however, to make sure that car insurance companies have not cut certain key elements out in order to get the price down. Check the following:
- Is the policy limited to sole driver only and if so, what is the additional cost for multiple drivers?
- Is a courtesy car provided in the event of an accident?
- Are there penalties (administrative charges) for a change of car part way through the policy term?
- Are monthly payments more expensive than annual payments?
- Is theft of a car stereo included and if so, to what maximum level?
- Is windscreen repair standard?
- Is there any personal injury cover?
- Are there discounts for other policies with the same company?
- What is the claims procedure – online or telephone?
- Can any no claims bonus be protected?
- Does the policy include cover for overseas travel?
Getting a Car Insurance Quote Online
It’s a good idea to use an insurance comparison site like Moneysupermarket.com to make a short list of possible companies based on price. Once a short list has been made, ask friends and relatives which insurance company they use and, most importantly, what their experience has been if a claim was made.
Before asking for any insurance quotes online, check the value of the car. If the car is brand new it’s easy, but many people over-insure their cars when it comes to renewal because they don’t check the current market value. If it’s too high, this will increase the insurance premium significantly.
Next go straight to the websites of each company to get a direct quote. While this can take a little time, going direct means additional discounts may be available once all the policy details have been entered. Most websites allow users to save details so that they can return to a car insurance quote once they have shopped around.
Multi Car Insurance Policy
Families with more than one car may also want to check the price of a multi car insurance policy. Many companies offer discounts for second cars insured with the same company but a multi car policy insures several vehicles at the same time.
This new type of policy can save money but there may be disadvantages such as losing the no claims discount on all cars in the event of an accident or the burden of having to pay for multiple vehicles all at once if the policy does not allow monthly payments.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Getting an online car insurance quote may sound easy but there is a lot to consider to choose the best car insurance policy. Get at least three quotes to compare price and the finer details within each, and then choose an insurance company with a good claims procedure for peace of mind.
