Posts Tagged ‘compare insurance’

Largest US Car Insurance Companies

Who Are The Biggest US Car Insurance Companies?

Biggest Car Insurance Co?

You may be surprised to note that the largest auto insurance companies in the US are not always the ones who advertise the most! Perhaps the smaller insurers must try harder, and they may provide some niche services that are useful to many vehicle owners.

The top car insurance company, in terms of size, is not always the best one for you. Note that every company on this list has been criticized by some groups. But there is something to be said for learning about choices that a majority of Americans make! It may also say something about the financial stability of the company. It does not always say these insurers will offer you the best rates or customer service.

State Farm is #1. It has been the largest auto insurance company in the US since 1942, which is quite a long record. They also provide home insurance and life insurance.

Allstate is #2, behind State Farm. The “good hands” company was founded in 1931 as part of Sears Roebuck, and Co.

Progressive, with the famous Flo on TV, comes in 3rd. Progressivebecame famous for their clever marketing and aggressive online strategy.

National Indemnity Co. (Bershire Hathaway) comes in 4th.

Farmer’s Insurance is 5th.

Size and Financial Ratings

It is interesting to note that size and Standard and Poor’s financial ratings are not always the same. For example, Progressive (at 3) has a AA+ rating, while State Farm (#1) checks in with a AA, and Allstate only has an A+. However, any A rated company is probably not a source of concern to a car insurance consumer.

In addition to car policies, most of these insurers also offer other products. If you need an auto policy, but also own a home, you may get a better price with an auto and home insurance discount! Note that not all car insurance companies cover homes.

How To Look For the Best US Car Insurance Provider For You!

I would urge anybody to compare rates and plans before they buy. Biggest is not always best, though lots of consumers are, obviously, very satisfied with these companies. You will want to compare the policies, premiums, financial stability, claims record, and customer service satisfaction of any company who covers something as important as your car!

Compare Health Insurance Providers

How To Compare Health Insurace Providers

We all want to be able to purchase the best health insurance for ourselves, and for our families. Of course, we have to work within our budget, the policies that are on the  market in our local area, and some other important considerations. Health insurance companies are not all the same, so it is very important to consider some very important things before you commit to a medical plan.

  • Type of Health Plans – For example, do you know the differences between PPO, HMO, and HSA health insurance? It is very important to understand your medical plan so you know how it works when you do have to use it.  For example, an HMO may be great if you live an area with a big network of plan medical providers. But you may prefer the flexibility of a PPO health plan if you want to be able to get services from a doctor who is not in a network.
  • Cost Vs. Benefits – You might want a medical plan with very comprehensive benefits like low doctor’s office copays and deductibles. But the premium may be so expensive you will not be able to afford it after awhile. It may be better to buy health insurance with less coverage and a cheaper price. You will have to put aside some cash in a savings account so you will be able to afford any copays or deductibles you have to pay.  The premium difference between the same basic policy with a $500 yearly deductible and one with a $2,500 deductible will be signifigant. If you can afford to pay that $2,500 if you need to make claims, you can probably save hundreds of dollars every year you do not have high medical expenses.  In addition, you can probably save quite a bit if you choose health insurance with a higher copy, or even one that does not offer office visit copays at all. You will have to pay for the doctors visits, but you may save 25% on your monthly premiums.
  • Customer Service and Claims Record – You also need to do some research on the insurer. It will not do you any good to save a few dollars on your monthly bill  if your company does not have your back when you need to use them. You can visit your state insurance department or consumer protection websites to look for complaints.
  • Shop Around For Health Insurance – It used to be very time consuming and frustrating to compare health insurance providers. But these days, online quote forms make this a lot easier. You only have to enter your basic information one time. Then you can sit back as the top insurers in your local area present you with competitive plans and policies.
  • Declined for Health Insurance – Right now, you can still be declined for private medical insurance in the US. But every state has some sort of high risk health insurance plan that may help. In some states, not everybody qualifies and the premiums can be quite high. You may need to find some low income medical insurance options.