Getting Car Insurance: Brokers vs. The Net

Sometimes merely qualifying for car insurance is not enough. Yes it’s great to have a policy that covers you and your vehicle in case of an accident or theft, but when you are not driving all those scenarios are thrown out the window. Here’s why

Anytime somebody drives your car without a valid license or insurance and they are involved in an accident, the insurance company is not liable to pay for the damages.

Your car is obviously worth a lot of money. However, the insurance is completely thrown out the door if you are not operating it in case of an accident. The coverage then turns into the new driver’s hands and his or her policy. If they do not have one, well then, you’re in a lot of deep trouble.

In the past, insurance companies answered the growing demand for car insurance by hiring brokers. These people were licensed and rich in knowledge of car insurance. They were also very friendly and open to meet with potential clients to discuss different policies.

Insurance brokers are business people who earn their profits by commissions from the insurance companies whom they represent. Most brokers are professional trained and extremely well versed in the polices currently available.

Outstanding brokers not only serve the consumer when signing up for the policy, but also in a time of need. If the client is involved in an accident, the broker should step up to the challenge, handling the claim quickly and effectively.

Usually they do, and consequently the policy holder forms a close bond with the broker. They continue to do business for the rest of their lives. The policy holder usually passes down the broker to his children and recommends the broker to others.

As I mentioned earlier, brokers are slowly losing their jobs to the digital age or are transferring to doing business online. More people are finding online insurance easier to get and compare. The polices are also usually cheaper, because consumers avoid paying broker fees. Statistics show that people save between ten to fifteen percent of their annual insurance premium by doing business online.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal