KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Comparing multiple quotes from multiple auto insurance companies could save you hundreds of dollars on auto insurance.
We asked five NBC Action News employees to get quotes from five major insurance companies, and some of the results were surprising.
We tested Allstate, GEICO, Nationwide, Progresesive and State Farm to see who would give our co-workers the best deal.
Our employees paid up to $2,400 per year for auto insurance.
Most hadn’t priced insurance prior to our test.
All of the employees in our test of all different ages, different genders and live in different parts of the metro area. All of those differences can impact your auto insurance rates.
The employees in our test got rate quotes online and by phone.
One of the five discovered he was already getting the best rate for his situation.
The other four discovered opportunities to save $300, $400 or even $1,000 on the premiums they currently pay.
They found different companies offered better prices in different situations, so it pays to shop around.
Do Your Homework
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger agrees.
“Do your homework,” Praeger cautions. She says make sure you’re comparing apples to apples and that you’re getting quotes on identical coverage and terms.
Praeger says although multiple companies may offer what appear to be identical plans, the way insurers respond to claims can vary dramatically.
If your rate is still too high, consider raising your deductible and consider dropping comprehensive and collision if your deductible is worth more than your car.
“Check to see what kind of a reputation the company has,” Praeger says.
She warns bargain-hungry consumers to check their state's insurance commission for complaints against the company, to be sure it delivers what it claims.
