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July 28, 2000
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Some insurance websites would have you believe so.
In his weekly consumer series E-Exam, News Specialist Scott Light decided to put them to the test. He takes a look at the websites versus your neighborhood insurance agent.
Kim Shore went shopping for car insurance last week.
She's an avid internet shopper, but with insurnance she wanted a local face to put with her policy.
Kim Shore/Shops Around for Insurance: "IF YOU HAVE A CLAIM, YOU CAN CALL SOMEBODY AND HAVE A NAME AS OPPOSED TO A COMPANY. AN 800-NUMBER AND THEY DON'T HAVE YOUR FILE."
Shore found the best deal with a local agent.
We decided to find the best deal too, on the internet or with a local insurance pro.
6-Month Policy/Husband and Wife
2000 Honda Accord LX/Two Airbags & V6 Engine
- Progressive.com
Two Progressive Prices - $611 & $561
Progressive Quotes State Farm - $462
- Geico.com - $537
- Local Allstate Office - $426
We priced a six month policy for one car for a husband and wife with clean driving records.
The car is a 2000 4-door Honda Accord LX.
We first checked Progressive.com, which claims to offer the lowest price by showing you rates from several companies.
The first two rate were Progressive's own.
One for $611.
Another for $561.
Progressive also quoted State Farm at $462.
We also priced the GEICO website and got a rate of $537.
The lowest price we found was $426.
It wasn't on the internet though.
It came from a local Allstate office.
State Farm agent Randy Buchmiller says discount insurers or web-based price checks haven't hurt the agent business.
Randy Buchmiller/State Farm Insurance Agent: "I DON'T REALLY LOOK AT THEM AS COMPETITION. WE BEAT THEM ALL THE TIME AND I'M SURE THEY BEAT US ALL THE TIME ON DIFFERENT NICHES IN THE MARKET."
We asked Buchmiller to verify a State Farm price.
Remember Progressive quoted State Farm at $462.
For the exact same policy, Buckmiller quoted $442.
Again, insurance prices vary no matter where you go.
Certainly the internet was convenient and a free quote took just minutes.
Scott Light/Eyewitness News: "IF YOU DO GO WITH AN AGENT, CHECK OUT THINGS LIKE MULTI-CAR DISCOUNTS PLUS CHECK INTO OTHER POLICIES LIKE HOMEOWNER'S OR RENTER'S INSURANCE.
ALL OF THOSE THINGS CAN HELP REDUCE YOUR CAR INSURANCE."
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