Any additional information that could be given would be great, as I’m considering getting my first credit card, and want to know everything I can so that I don’t get myself into trouble.
With identify theft being a crime that’s on the rise, and the Internet being the most common way for criminals to access information they need to steal your identity, many people are skeptical about giving out their information when asking for an insurance quote. While many of these companies may seem legitimate, there’s nothing wrong with being wary. Here are some tips on protecting your information when getting auto insurance quotes.
First, work with big name companies that are established. Companies like Geico, Progressive, and All State have websites that can provide you with quotes, including (in some cases) the rates for other insurance providers. These companies have a long history of using information that you provide in a safe and secure way.
Second, if you’re going to go with smaller companies, make sure to do research first. Try to find companies through friends and family who already have experiences with the insurance company in question, rather than tracking them down through online searches or other ways that can be manipulated by people who are up to no good.
Third, get general information. You can easily get information on what your rates would be with a certain company by comparing them to the rates of friends or family members who use that same company. Be sure to ask about things that are impacting their insurance rates, such as recent tickets or accidents which will increase pricing, or discounts such as multiple driver or student discounts that they may be receiving. You can talk to agents to get a general rate quote based on your zip code, age, gender, and your summary of your driving record, allowing you to get the basic information that you need without releasing too many personal details. Once you have the general information, you can narrow it down to a few companies.