Why is buying car insurance on line such an appallingly bad experience?

Question

If you have never done it don't ever be tempted to try.
It's an experience that never leaves you, you will become an embittered wreck.
Even in days of old they never devised a form of torture more cruel.

Answer 1

Because car insurance is a very complicated product (oh yes it is)

Because insurers need lots of information to provide accurate quotes (show me an aggregator website and I'll show you a company providing misleading quotations)

People buy insurance online because - hey it's new let's try it! and forget that you buy a policy one day and you have 364 other days when you might have to make use of it - but they forget that buying online loses the personal touch - and that many online/ direct providers now have staff who know nothing about insurance principals - just how to sell.

Answer 2

lol, knowing what a mouse is doesn't guarantee you'll know how to use a search engine to find the right site but even so it's pretty simple.
You go to a comparison site (there are many about) and once you fill one quick form it'll come up with quotes from a dozen top insurers, (this is what brokers used to do, say 20 years ago, when you walked into their office) pick your best one ( I go for cheapest, lol, that's WAY cheaper than anyone that pays for office RENT!) check with your state's insurance department to see if who you choose to go with are licensed to do business, pay them and get the paperwork in the post. Your credit card will ALSO cover you should anything not go as you expect.
This is one such site http://gsx1.com/InsuranceComparison.html
However, yes... treble clicking on the "Pay Now" will guarantee you get treble charged, then yes that's a way to become "an embittered wreck".
I became one such wreck by trusting the wrong women, lol we all choose our own form of torture :)

Answer 3

I went online when I wanted to see if other companies can match or provide me with better premiums for what I am currently paying. I had my current car policy and was able to answer all the questions, however, I did have to repeat it with each one. I got an answer either the same day by email or a few days later by telephone.

The down side was that they activated my credit report in checking my background. My score fell. Just remember, look it over and no more than 2 or 3 companies.

Answer 4

These comparison sites and "online discounts" are there for a reason, they attract people with promises of low prices but the company is counting on you either entering data incorrectly or simply offering a poor level of cover. Most people only deal with car insurance once a year so have no real need to know about it in great depth, something which these online sites are banking on. For example, if you are searching for insurance for a 2nd car for yourself, when asked about any No Claims Discount entitlement, people often enter what they have on their current car, not knowing that NCD can only be applied to one car at a time. Therefore, in the event of a claim, the company can legally impose a higher excess or an additional preium before they repair anything. My advice, stick to phoning or visiting a broker, then if something does go wrong, you have someone to blame!

Answer 5

The biggest reason that buying insuranse online is bad is because in most cases the terminology that is used can confuse you, or it's not clear what the term means. All of these sites that claim it's really easy to buy insurance online must assume that the customer knows what these terms mean, and know what inforamtion is needed. Personally in something as important as car insurance I would rather call someone or go to the office, that way I get a clear explanation of my insurance.

Answer 6

I never seem to have a problem with getting insurance online.
In fact, I think it's far easier and less painful than having to phone dozens of companies going over the same questions time and time again in order to get exactly what you want (which was how I did it before the Internet boom).

Answer 7

Hi There! I Got This For Your... As Always, Its Always Better That You Get The Info Firsthand. So Check It Out Yourself, Im Pretty Sure You'll Discover Something...

Answer 8

You've gone to the wrong websites.

I can give you a good website and an 800 number where if it doesn't seem to be working out you can call. All I ask in return is if it works out you pass the information to other people. Let me know [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Answer 9

I wouldn't know. When it comes to buying something as serious as insurance protection, I prefer to deal directly with an insurance agent, not a website.

Answer 10

I AGREE!

I got a quote from AAA auto club on line, and then went to a district office to sign up and they raised the price above the quote claiming I didn't give complete info., which was total B.S.