I’ve recently seen articles discussing online auto insurance raters such as EverQuote.com and The Zebra. They claim that they can compare auto insurance rates from multiple carriers so that you can easily compare rates and coverage and spend less time shopping around, because they “run multiple quotes at once”. Running multiple quotes at one time is not a new thing; it’s what Armstrong Fairway has been doing all along! I decided to try one of these “fancy” online quotes, here’s what I found:
I input all of my personal information on the three pages they required, (including, but not limited to: name, date of birth, driving history, vehicle info, education, marital status, email address (which is code for “here come the 10 emails a day!”), etc.). I was led to a page that told me I could save money if I “click here for my quote”. I clicked on the first company that came up and that led me to yet ANOTHER page that asked for all of my information… all over again. My premiums and coverage limits were estimated, deductibles were placed at $1000, and they decided which of my vehicles should have comp and collision, instead of explaining what they mean and why it’s important. It did not give me a choice in the matter.
I can tell you from experience, it did not seem like it was easier than speaking to an agent. The limits the computer decided I needed were below what I know (as an insurance agent) to be appropriate for my household. When looking at what they decided for me and what I, as an agent, have setup for myself, the policies were definitely not “apple-to-apples”…it was more like “apple-to-oranges.”
I work at Armstrong Fairway Insurance Agency, and it is my job to ensure my clients have the coverage they need. WE (my clients and I) work together to see what is needed for them and their household. Something that many insurance shoppers don’t realize is that there isn’t a “one size fits all” insurance policy. A typical call for a quote takes between 5-10 minutes. Once I gather the information needed, I work with our quoting system, (which is the fancy system that runs the rates through multiple carriers), and my client to find what best suits their needs. I guide them through the quote and answer any questions they may have- no need to open a live chat online, or press “0” for a representative and hold for 15 minutes.
Armstrong Fairway is a local agency, with real people and an actual office you can walk into. There’s no wondering if you’ll be able to speak to an actual person, or if you’ll have to go through five different prompts on the phone to speak to an agent. If you have been thinking about doing an online quote, call Armstrong Fairway first, you’ll be glad you did.
Alyssa Evans, a real person, not a computer.
P: (760)245-2561
Address: 17072 Silica Dr, #103, Victorville, CA 92395