You might be looking for more affordable car insurance. Did you know that shopping online for car insurance is possible these days? Let’s delve into some of the potential pros and cons of buying car insurance online.
Disclaimer
The contents of this article should only be viewed as general information and not as financial advice. Please seek financial advice from a certified financial advisor should you want to buy insurance products.
Here are some of the pros and cons according to The Balance company.
What are the pros of buying car insurance online?1
- Buy car insurance whenever you like
Most people live busy lives, and online shopping offers much-needed convenience. You can purchase car insurance online whenever it suits you, which is highly advantageous when you’re only available after hours when call centre agents are usually unavailable.
- Insurance policy documents could be immediately available
There could be a delay in getting your insurance policy documents if you were to buy your insurance over the phone. You may need to wait for an email from the insurer to get your policy documents or for the policy documents to arrive via a courier or post. All of your car insurance policy documents might be immediately available if you buy car insurance online.
- Ask questions online
There is a world of information available online via insurance websites’ chat services, community forums, and social media profiles. Insurance companies that sell car insurance online usually make every effort to make car insurance easier to understand via videos and interactive easy-to-understand online resources.
- You could save money
You may save money if buying car insurance online allows you to avoid paying for a broker’s services.
What are the cons of buying car insurance online? 1
- Possible delay in talking to an insurance agent
Many people find it easier to make transactions by speaking to a person. Perhaps you prefer to talk to an insurance broker or calling an insurance company to discuss car insurance before you buy it. There could be a delay in getting assistance over the phone regarding your online car insurance purchase, especially after office hours.
- Some insurance-related knowledge may be needed
It is possible that insurance companies’ websites only present their insurance purchase-related information in a technical, jargon-filled written format. If this is the case, then it could be a potentially confusing and frustrating online purchase process for people who have no prior insurance-related knowledge.
- Online insurers’ claims processes
‘Virtual’ insurance companies that are only available online could offer limited ‘offline’ customer care services. Advanced online technology can be helpful, but what if you need to talk to someone? Some motorists prefer to speak with an insurance agent that they are familiar with when it comes to the stressful process of claiming after a car accident.
- Online shopping skills
Are you unfamiliar with online shopping? It could be a daunting thought to have to navigate an insurer’s online car insurance purchase process. Most insurance companies make buying car insurance online as easy as possible. Nevertheless, a person still requires some necessary know-how to make use of it. Learning on the spot can be stressful, especially when one considers the financial implications of online transactions.
Perhaps you want to buy car insurance now. Affordable car insurance with unique benefits is accessible with Prime South Africa. With Prime you could experience one-of-a-kind benefits that include fixed premiums* if you don’t claim and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T and Cs apply.
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