Date Added: January 17, 2012 01:54:54 PM

The process of researching car insurance quotes can be somewhat difficult. Most people immediately turn to comparison sites in order to quickly and easily find the best deal. However, while this is a great starting point, many drivers will need to look beyond the original quote displayed to find out whether they are truly receiving value for money.

Most comparison sites display their results by price, with the lowest first. This is understandable as many customers are looking to have all of the hassle taken out of buying their insurance. However, finding the right quote hinges on the other information displayed alongside the price, such as the company and any exclusions.

Research the Company

Drivers who want complete confidence in their insurance take the time to understand the company they are dealing with. Most large insurers already have significant reputations, and customer feedback will not be hard to find. Other smaller insurers often gain most of their exposure on comparison sites, but further information is not so easy to find. When checking the insurer that has provided the most competitive car insurance quotes, it can pay to consider the following:

• Is the company financially comfortable? Either the company itself or a rating service can advise on the general financial health of the insurer. While it is rarely an issue, no driver wants to worry about cover from a company that may not exist in a few months.
• Do they work with approved dealers? Most insurers work with their own chosen workshops and parts suppliers. Drivers should check whether the company uses genuine branded replacement parts and accredited workshops, or cuts corners on servicing to trim costs.
• Does a general check on the company’s practices raise any concerns? Larger companies have more customers and therefore usually more negative reviews. However, a large number of bad testimonials, particularly in a single area, can be a warning sign. They may be notorious for disputing claims or have unreasonably long pay-out times.

Research the Policies

Most comparison sites list policy details alongside car insurance quotes and only present suitable cover plans. However, some companies cut out certain circumstances, eliminating the possibility of a pay-out and thus reducing prices.

• Does the insurance policy cover your planned mileage? As a matter of course, policies covering less mileage cost less due to the reduced chances of incidents. Prices are worked out based on this, and it is worth confirming the exact distance that falls within the policy’s limits.
• Does the insurance company consider the car to be in ‘average’ condition by default? Policies that replace vehicles on a like for like basis will often pay little attention to the condition of the replacement vehicle as long as it is drivable. Drivers who take exceptional care of their cars should make this known to the insurer and ask for it to be taken into account should a replacement be required.
• Does the insurance company make provisions for quick service? Most policies specify a certain timeframe in which claims will be dealt with. They also offer replacement vehicles or all manner of additional services. The key is to find the cheapest quote with the most sufficient level of service should a claim be made.