Welcome to the TipX guide to auto insurance deals.
This page was created as a research tool
for finding affordable automobile insurance. We have been reviewing auto
insurance companies for more than a decade. In our experience, we've learned which car
insurance companies will have your back when they're needed most, and
which companies you should stay away from. We recommend the insurance
providers listed below. Updated on 9/1/2010.
| Insurance Provider | Compare | A.M. Best Rating | Satisfied | |
| 1 |
 |
Get Quotes | A+ Rating (Superior) | 94% |
| 2 |
 |
Get Quotes | A Rating (Excellent) | 88% |
| 3 |
 |
Get Quotes | Comparison Site | N/A |
| 4 |
 |
Get Quotes | Comparison Site | N/A |
| 5 |
 |
Get Quotes | Comparison Site | N/A |
Tips for Buying Auto Insurance Online
The best part about buying auto insurance online is that you can get multiple quotes with a single form that takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Or, you can visit each insurance company’s website individually. Two factors affect your price. Those factors are underwriting and rating. Insurance companies underwrite to assess the risk for the applicant, group them with other similar risks and decide if the company will accept them. The rating provides a price based on what the insurer believes it will cost to assume financial responsibility for a potential claim from the applicant. The rating process is primarily affected by how many times you have made an insurance claim in the past. High claim groups will be charged more for auto insurance coverage.
Factors that affect your rate include your driving record, your geographic territory, your gender and age, your marital status, prior insurance coverage, vehicle use, and the make and model of your vehicle. Look for four or more quotes from various companies online. The more quotes you compare, the better your chances are of getting the cheapest premium. Always provide the same information to each company. Each company will most likely require a description of your vehicle, its use, your driver’s license number, the number of drivers in your household, and the coverage and limits you want. Keep in mind that when you use quote sites, you may not get instant quotes. Some companies may contact you later by e-mail and others that are not direct providers may direct you to a local agent. Geico is an example of a direct provider. State Farm, however, sells insurance through local agents. Not all states provide fast quotes online. In New Jersey, it’s faster to get a quote over the phone since most insurers in the state don’t provide online quotes.
Decide if you really need
comprehensive or collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage pays for
damage to your car by fire, severe weather, vandalism, flood and theft.
Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car from colliding
with an object like a tree or another car. If the value of your car is
lower than two years worth of the premium, then you might want to get
rid of collision or comprehensive coverage to lower your auto insurance
rate. There are plenty of discounts available. You just have to ask.
Discounts include multiple vehicles, driver education courses, good
student, safety devices, anti-theft devices, low mileage, safe driver,
auto/home package and dividends, or discounts based on paying an upfront
lump sum instead of monthly payments.
Each state operates on a tort system or no-fault system on auto
insurance. The three basic types of coverage sold under the tort system
are bodily injury liability insurance, property damage liability
insurance and uninsured motorists coverage. In a no-fault state,
coverage will vary but your insurance company pays you directly for
losses as a result of injuries sustained in an accident, regardless of
who is at fault. Your state insurance department can answer any further
questions concerning tort or no-fault systems.
Last but not least, read your policy carefully. An auto insurance policy is a legal contract. Your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the insurance company, are clearly stated. Make sure you understand the policy. If you have questions about your policy, contact your insurance agent. If your agent can’t answer your questions, contact your state insurance department for answers.
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