Smart Auto Insurance Blog

JD Power’s 2009 National Auto Insurance Study offers auto insurance provider ratings for a wide variety of insurers such as Encompass Car Insurance.  Encompass rated average which is good considering it’s a smaller company.

In the category of overall satisfaction, Encompass ranked average.  The category of contacting the insurer also ranked average.  Policy offerings received two stars which is the second to worst rating to receive.  Billing payment was considered average and pricing received two stars.  Overall the company achieved an average ranking.

It’s convenient that JD Power is ranking smaller companies, but other smaller insurers such as Dairyland Insurance are not included in the ranking report.  You can still receive reviews on these smaller companies through review websites or the Better Business Bureau.  As you shop around for car insurance you want to consider how other people view their experience with the company.  Price is obviously very important but you need to understand what you are getting for the price quoted.

When comparing similar auto insurance companies such as Encompass Car Insurance and and Acceptance Insurance it’s important to be sure to understand exactly what you are comparing.  Bankrate recommends focusing in on four insurers to start off with.

Start off by picking four reputable auto insurance companies and visit their websites for detailed information.  Educate yourself on the companies and read through consumer reviews.  Although price is a very important part of an insurance policy, customer service is crucial and it’s helpful to know what you are getting into.

There is a lot of value to face-to-face business.  If this is something you think will bring you value in the long run, visit your local auto insurance offices and speak to an agent directly.  Developing a relationship with a local agent can help your chances of getting the best deal possible on your auto insurance rates.

Once you have locked into a new auto insurance policy, review it annually and ensure you are still getting the best rate possible.  Continue your search online to keep it simple and use comparison sites to help save you time.

Encompass Car Insurance has a great online resource for those customers with teenagers on their policies.  With teen drivers having an alarming high rate of fatal accidents it’s no wonder they are treated differently.  Just because your teen has been allowed to carry a driver’s license, it does not mean they are as safe as an experienced driver.

There are many things you can do to help prepare yourself and your teen for the challenging road ahead.  You will most likely see your auto insurance rates increase in addition to your anxiety of sending your inexperienced driver out on the road.  Encompass has gathered a  convenient resource on their website to better prepare yourself.

• Some of the topics covered include:
• Teenagers and safe cars
• Tips on helping teens drive better
• Setting guidelines for your teen
• Understanding graduated licensing
• Developing a Parent-Teen contract

When you create boundaries and allow for more time behind the wheel your teen will be better prepared for challenging driving situations and hopefully save lives.

Identity fraud is a growing problem with the rise in popularity of Internet quotes on auto insurance and online banking.  Although victims can end up not being liable for lost money, it can be very pricey for the victim to prove their innocence.  Their credit rating can also be destroyed which may take years to repair.

Many insurance companies are offering protection to their policy holders to help them avoid this disaster.  Encompass Car Insurance is one of those companies and on their website they outline what their Identity Fraud Protection covers.  They will pay up to $20,000 for expenses incurred as a result of identity theft.  They will also cover lost wages up to $500 per week for up to 4 weeks for time away from work because of the fraud.

Some other benefits of the products are covered loan fees if you are denied a loan due to incorrect information caused by the fraud and any new application fees incurred.  With prior approval from Encompass Car Insurance they will also pay for reasonable lawyer fees.  If a lawyer is used to defend you against any lawsuits are filed against you by any merchants or collection agencies, Encompass will help you.  This is an extremely valuable benefit to have through your insurance company, and not all companies offer it.  Be sure to look into what kind of protection you may have.  It could save you a lot of time and money.

There are some great tips on defensive driving to help keep you safe on the Encompass Car Insurance website.  Their Plan & Learn section on their site says that drunk drivers are the most dangerous violators on the road and half of all highway fatalities are due to drinking and driving.

They offer some tips to keep your eye out for potentially drunk drivers when you are on the road.  Some of these include unusually wide turns, weaving, swerving, sudden stops, tailgating, no headlights at night, drifting, slow response to traffic signs, or driving on the wrong side of the road.

If you happen to notice such a driver on the road it’s important to maintain a safe distance.  Allow the traffic violator to pass you, and do not try to pass them.  If the driver is coming head-on move into the nearest shoulder and use your horn and lights to try and get them to realize they are driving the wrong way.  If possible, get the driver’s license and report the situation to the police.  The quicker this person can get off the road, the safer everyone will be.

Encompass Auto Insurance is concerned about keeping you safe, and has a section on their website dedicated to safety and prevention.  Many cities have outlawed the use of cell phones while driving because more and more accidents are being caused by distracted drivers who are on the phone. 

On the Encompass Auto Insurance website it discusses cell phone use while driving and they have some advice.  If you have to talk on the phone while you drive it is best to have a hands-free cell cradle in your car so you can speak without your hands.  But, it’s always safest to arrive at your destination before taking out your phone.  It’s too easy to get engrossed in a conversation and lose your focus on driving which is extremely dangerous.