The Benefits of Getting an Auto Insurance Quote Online

According to the 2010 U.S. Online Auto Insurance Report by comScore, a record 2.8 million auto insurance policies were purchased online in 2009; that's an increase of 80% since 2006!

The statistics around online shopping are not surprising. It's easy, quick and more convenient to compare auto insurance quotes when you do it online. For many people, comparing auto insurance costs online means you can shop at your own pace. For others, it's just a quick and easy way to save some money.

So are you in the market for auto insurance? Are you interested to see how 21st Century Insurance can give you the same great coverage for less? Here's how you can make the most of it:

1. Be Prepared

Shopping for car insurance is incredibly easy if you're prepared. Before getting started, make sure you have the following information available. That way you can be sure you're making an apples-to-apples comparison of the coverage you're pricing:

• Your current insurance declarations page.
• Year, make, model and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each car you're insuring.
• Your annual mileage and distance to work.
• Name, occupation, gender, number of years licensed, and driver's license number of each household member old enough to drive.
• Information about any accidents or violations in the past three years, including dates, who was at fault, if someone was injured and the amount of any claims.

2. Think about your needs

Look at your current policy and make sure it reflects your current situation. If a recent job change has you commuting fewer miles each day, it may entitle you to a lower rate. If you first bought your current coverage when your car was new, you may not have adjusted your collision coverage over the years. Older cars may not need as much coverage as newer ones.

3. Check Reputation

Your auto insurance is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Check the financial stability of a company by visiting a rating agency website. A.M. Best, for example, assigns a grade that indicates a company's ability to meet its financial obligations. To see how satisfied other consumers are with the companies you are considering, view consumer complaint data at your state's department of insurance.

4. Apply

Once you've found the best coverage, at the best price, go to the company's Website and apply. Be sure to cancel the coverage you have with your existing insurance company and ask about getting a refund of any unused premium.