DPM Insurance Group | 10 Reasons to Reconsider Buying Online Insurance
10 Reasons to Reconsider Buying Online Insurance
Buying insurance online seems like an obvious choice in the 21st century. You can buy just about anything on the internet, so why not your home or car insurance? While there is no denying the convenience of online shopping, there are several things buyers should know before breaking up with their insurance broker – and we are not just saying this because we are an independent brokerage.
So, if you are considering buying an instant online policy, here’s what you need to know:
1. Understanding and comparing policies? You are on your own.
It is easy to compare products online. If you are interested in buying a shirt, you can look at photos and read customer reviews. But comparing insurance policies is a bit more complicated, especially if you are not an expert.
When you work with a broker, you can leverage their expertise to find a policy that is tailored to your needs. If you decide to buy a policy online, it’s up to you to do the homework of comparing policy benefits and coverage exclusions. Remember, your time is money. How much are you really saving?
2. Sometimes, you just need to speak to a real person.
Technology cannot replace all of the benefits of a real live human. When you have a question about your policy, or worse – when you need to file a claim – there is nothing worse than dialing into a call center and waiting for a representative to help you. If you speak with a different agent each time you call, you could end up explaining the same situation over and over again.
3. You might be missing out on discounts.
Buying insurance online is not the only way to save money. Your broker can help you take advantage of discounts which may not be available through online brokers, such as:
Good student discounts for teenage drivers
4. Advocating for yourself when you need to file a claim.
If you have ever been in a car accident, you know filing a claim can involve some back and forth between both parties to determine who was at-fault. It is common for brokers to help their clients file a claim and to provide assistance if there are issues during the claim review process. You may think of your agent as a “middleman,” but this is definitely not a bad thing.
5. Many online applications are only set up for simple coverage needs.
When you have minimal assets and all you are looking for is the minimum coverage, buying a policy online might be a good solution. But perhaps you drive a company car or own a 100-year-old home. In this situation and many others, you may need more than a “one size fits all” protection plan.
6. Online applications can be difficult to fill out.
Getting a quote for insurance online is simple. Filling out the application can be much more complicated. You may be asked for detailed information, including:
Data from a home inspection report;
Proof of the age of your roof, furnace or other fixture;
Vehicle history report;
Appraisal documents; and,
Photos of your home or vehicle.
Gathering everything you need to fill out an online application can be time consuming – and if you fill it out incorrectly, you might not have the protection you need when an accident happens.
7. The risk of having the wrong coverage . . . or no coverage.
When your home or vehicle has been damaged, the last thing you want is for your claim to be denied. This is the risk of buying a policy online without fully understanding all the terms and conditions.
Another possible pitfall? Let’s say you filled out the online application and guessed the age of your roof incorrectly. If you were to file a claim and this mistake gets brought to light, you could have your claim denied AND coverage terminated in one swoop. Working with an agent offers the peace of mind in knowing your policy covers everything you expect it to.
8. Beware of trendy online companies and check their customer ratings.
You may be interested in buying insurance online because you have seen catchy advertisements on TV or social media. Don’t be fooled by a great marketing campaign – take some time to research the company and read customer ratings.
9. Spending more time on price comparisons and filling out quote requests.
Why spend your own time getting quote requests and comparing policies when one of the RIBO licensed brokers or CSRs at DPM Insurance Group can do the work for you?
Unlike a captive agent, who only represents one insurer, an independent brokerage like ours is licensed to sell with multiple insurance companies. Our team will find a policy that provides the protection you need for the best price. We do not work for the insurers. We work for you.
10. The cheap option is rarely a better option.
There is an old saying that still rings true: Cheaper isn’t always better. Insurance helps protect some of your most valuable possessions, from your car to your home and all of your personal belongings. Would you rather protect them with an iron-clad policy, or just use some duct tape?
Feel Confident in Your Coverage from DPM Insurance
At DPM Insurance Group, we pride ourselves on finding the right solution for our clients. Whether you need a personal insurance policy for your family or a commercial policy for your business, our staff has the expertise you need to feel confident in your protection. You do not have to go down this road alone and buy a policy online. Click here to find the DPM Insurance Group office closest to you: https://dpmins.com/locations/