Smart Auto Insurance Blog

A recent press release from Business Wire announces that Progressive Auto Insurance has been recognized for excellence in online auto insurance assistance.  In today’s online environment, more and more consumers are turning to the Internet to compare auto insurance quotes and benefits.  ProgressiveAgent.com offers a wide variety of services making the user experience easier and more straight forward and this has been recognized through receipt of the Standard of Excellence award from the 2011 Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards competition.

Progressive’s Agency distribution business leader, Karen Barone, says this website was specifically designed to make it easier for consumers to use a local agent and also help agents grown their businesses.  They feel honored to receive this award and feel good that they are doing things right.  ProgressiveAgent.com helps consumers find quotes, find a local agent, and also research insurance options.  You can learn more about Progressive’s variety of insurance options including boat, commercial auto and motorcycle insurance.

The judges at the online awards competition say ProgressiveAgent.com is useful and easy to navigate.  Many websites are looked at and seven criteria are considered.  This includes design, copywriting, innovation, content, interactivity, technology, and ease of use.  Websites across the nation are considered and 96 industries were reviewed by judges.  This is a great opportunity for websites to compete and show off their best practices through the competition.  Overall, it should make user experience better for all consumers turning to the Internet for their shopping needs.

Written by Sara Smart

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On February 23rd, the OneBeacon Insurance Group Board of Directors announced their first quarter results.  Based on their website information, they declared a $0.21 per share quarterly dividend, paid in cash on March 31st to shareholders of record Common Shares for the close of the business day on March 17th.

OneBeacon Insurance Group is a holding company and they offer a wide range of specialty insurance products sold through independent agencies as well as regional & national brokers, wholesalers, and managing general agencies.  They deal with products such as One Beacon auto insurance, OneBeacon Specialty Property, and services to assigned risk markets.

OneBeacon’s insurance businesses are available throughout the United States and offer competitive prices and unique programs for a variety of customers.  They also offer producers, brokers, and insureds the useful ability to report claims online.  With online expansion and continued success, shareholders should hope to see continued growth and return.

According to the press release “The Hartford Tops Ranking of Auto Insurance Web Sites” found on Business Wire, Hartford Auto Insurance has one of the most user-friendly websites.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, INC, announced recent research put forth by Change Sciences Group, which gives their website top marks for consumer use.  The study looked at ease-of-use, content quality, the use of social media, and persuasiveness compared with the top 17 auto insurance companies.  Based on this information, this would be an easy site to use to get quotes on auto insurance as well as purchase a policy. 

Pam Pavliscak, a partner at Change Sciences Group says The Hartford scored the best in the research because the site requires lower user effort and simultaneously providing valuable information.  They practice hyper usability, which is working to ease the burden of entering data and navigating the site.  They provide the appropriate information at the right time, making it easier for consumers to get through the site with ease.  Hartford Auto Insurance prioritizes the improvement of their online presence because they realize how important it is to an overall successful insurer.

As more and more consumers become Internet savvy, shopping online for auto insurance quotes is becoming more popular.  People are drawn to the convenience and ease of shopping online.  According to the press release “Shopping for Auto Insurance Online Becoming More Popular in New Year, according to Onlineautoinsurance.com” found on prweb, found a large increase of online shoppers on their site in January 2010 compared to any month in 2009.  This goes to show which way the trend is heading.

The Missouri Department of Insurance encourages the use of online auto insurance shopping.  Their research shows you can get 20 quotes online in the time it may take you to get 3 quotes by calling various auto insurance companies on the phone.  Many insurers are excited about the increase of shoppers online such as Progressive and Eastwood Insurance which both have options to get quotes directly on their website.

Times are changing and it’s important to ensure, as a consumer, you are getting the best deal on your auto insurance quotes.