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."

GEICO Dropping Rates for Georgia Customers

GEICO has good news for motorists in the Peach State: a new auto insurance rate plan that will save Georgia drivers money. The rating plan is already in effect for new policies and will be effective Feb. 8 for renewal policies.

"On average, current GEICO policyholders will receive a 2.3 percent decrease for the same coverages,” said Dina Pon, assistant vice president with underwriting responsibilities for GEICO’s Southeast operations. “The changes for new business customers will make GEICO’s auto policy rates in Georgia even more competitive for consumers. This is especially true because some other companies are raising their auto insurance rates in Georgia at the same time we are lowering ours.”

The new low rates are expected to increase GEICO’s policyholder growth in Georgia, where it is currently the fourth-largest insurer in the state. The rate decreases are possible due to a combination of factors that include rate changes by coverage, implementation of additional discounts and the hard work of GEICO’s 4,079 associates in the company’s Macon office.

Overall premium changes for individual motorists will vary based upon factors such as coverages purchased, geographic area, type of vehicle, risk characteristics, and discounts for which they qualify.

Georgia residents may also notice GEICO’s increased marketing efforts with a slate of television, radio and print ads as part of the “New Low Rates in Georgia” campaign.