Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance

What is the advantage of buying insurance online?

One major advantage of purchasing insurance online is that you can quickly find and compare coverage between different carriers with out having to speak with a sales person. Sales people take up your time trying to convince you to buy from them, and on the web you are protected from this intrusion.


Is buying insurance online faster than buying it from my agent?

In many cases the online insurance seller will be able to generate a policy faster than your local agent. You agent may be busy or have to schedule a time for you to come in, or maybe they are on vacation. The online insurance seller will use computerized systems to automate the enrollment process, which can result in your getting coverage up and running faster.

How soon will my insurance coverage begin if I make the purchase online?

Of course this will depend on the provider and also on the terms of the policy. All policies will have a beginning of coverage date, so make sure that the online seller provides you with this information. You can usually print our proof of coverage once you have completed your purchase online.


Do online insurance companies have agents?

All insurance sellers, both online and not online, will be required by law to use registered insurance agents to sell you insurance. In the online environment, you may be in contact with your agent by email or an online chat system. The agent is hidden behind the website, but they are still there. You may even be able to call them on the phone, so check with your provider on this.


If I purchase insurance online, what will be covered and not covered?

This is an important point, in that the website may not mention what is NOT covered. If they don’t provide you with comprehensive information about the coverage and coverage limitations, call them or send an email. If you don’t get an answer, shop somewhere else.


How do I get an insurance quote online?

Getting an insurance quote online is a simple as filling out the company’s questionnaire. They will ask you questions relating to the coverage that you are requesting a quote on. They will need this information in order to calculate the rate that you would pay.


Is it safe to give an insurance company online all of my confidential information?

The reputable online insurance companies will hold your information securely and prevent it from getting out of their system. But you should always read their privacy policy to see what they will do with any information about yourself that you provide to them. Also look for secure web pages when they are asking you to fill out information. Look for the little lock symbol at the bottom of your web browser screen to make sure that you are on a secure connection.


How can I tell if an online insurance company is really legitimate?

The reputable online insurance companies will always post their physical address and phone numbers on their website. If they don’t then you should find another provider that isn’t trying to hide behind the internet.


How hard is it to file an insurance claim for a policy that I bought online?

When it comes to buying insurance online, most companies only use the internet for the initial sales aspect of the policy. Once you have been signed up using the online process, you will be given a customer support and claims phone number. Filing a claim is as easy as calling the phone number provided to you.


If I try to purchase insurance online, will I be able to get signed up immediately?

Not all online insurance companies will be able to actually give you immediate coverage based on your internet transaction. In many cases the internet is just used to generate a rate quote, but when you want to sign up you must speak with an agent over the phone. This may not take any longer and may in fact help you by letting you ask questions to a live person.

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Recommended Insurance Websites

State Farm - provides auto, home, life, and health insurance policies and a range of banking and mutual fund products.

insure.com - online consumer information service that caters to the needs of self-directed insurance shoppers. 

Prudential Financial - offers individual and group life insurance, employee benefits services, annuities, and a range of investment products and services.

Insurance Sites on the Internet

Liberty Mutual Group - http://www.libertymutual.com 
A diversified financial services company, including a multi-line property and casualty company, a financial services company, and a life insurance company.