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Not all Estimates are Created Equal
This simply means that when you compare estimates (even if they are from the same source) they may not be easily compared. Costs can be quoted on a monthly, semi-annual or annual basis. This makes it tough to compare since most companies want you to pay as much upfront as possible but will show a monthly cost in order to put a low number in front of you.
The deductible is also an easy way to put a low number in front of you. By increasing the deductible insurance agents can charge a slightly less premium amount. This is due to the fact that most insurance claims are not high value claims. They are windshields, paint scratches, fender benders and vehicle body dents. All of these items on average cost a couple of hundred dollars to a thousand dollars. If the estimate includes a deductible of $500 then the insurance company is off the hook for the majority of the claims that they are liable for. This results in a lower premium.
Free estimates are good. In fact they are the only option. There is not an insurance company that will give you anything else in order to quote costs. Our advice is to know what you want ahead of time. Here are the items that you will want to decide on.
Once these items are figured out then you are ready to receive auto insurance estimates and compare them apples to apples.
Once you have received your estimates then you will want to compare the top company's record for handling claims. Nobody wants to save $10 per year in exchange for a hassle when a claim arises. Here is our insurance company ranking based on claim experience. The top company is the friendliest and most hassle-free when processing a claim (we only considered the large and national providers for simplicity's sake).