Study Looks at Car Shopping Via Agent or Online

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A recent study performed by AutoInsuranceQuotes.com found that out of 264 respondents who visited the site while shopping for auto insurance, 94 percent claimed to prefer shopping via email as opposed to other shopping methods including online; in person with a local agent; or over the phone.

As the Internet continues to offer more convenient shopping solutions for consumers around the globe, it is no surprise that so few drivers prefer to speak in-person with a live local agent, according to AutoInsuranceQuotes.com.

Similarly, The J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Insurance New Buyer Study found that last year, 21 percent of new customer insurance sales were processed entirely on the web.

On the other hand, however, only two percent of AutoInsuranceQuotes.com survey respondents preferred shopping strictly online.

"Shopping online without agent interaction may be too impersonal for some auto insurance shoppers as they are sometimes apprehensive about binding themselves into a policy without consultation," said Mike Pesackis, licensed agent for AutoInsuranceQuotes.com.

Purchasing via email allows customers to utilize the Internet for convenience yet also requires that they will be working with a live agent to purchase their insurance policy. Email shoppers seem to appreciate the convenience of web-based shopping, but also seem to find great value in working with a licensed agent, according to the company.

"Customers who work with a licensed agent before purchasing their auto insurance policy have a better chance of finding the right coverage and qualifying for all available discounts," said Jana Bell, director of Business Operations at HomeInsurance.com. "State and lender requirements vary per customer and a licensed consultant is there to ensure you get the most appropriate coverage for your needs."