RICHMOND — Everywhere they turn, consumers see advertisements for websites offering to help them save money on auto insurance. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance encourages Virginians to check their auto insurance policies annually to make sure they have the coverage they need at the best price.

While comparison shopping for the most competitive premium is important, price should not be the sole deciding factor. Knowing what coverage you need and the type of services the company offers are equally important. If you purchase coverage online, be sure you understand how premiums will be billed, how you will receive policy information, and how claims are handled.

Before shopping online, the Bureau suggests brushing up on the types of coverage found in auto insurance policies. A good place to start is the declarations page of your existing policy. “Research the insurance company, and get to know the product you are buying before you start to shop,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Jacqueline K. Cunningham. “Make sure you are comparing apples to apples when examining coverage and rates. The lowest price policy may not always be the one that best suits your individual needs.”

Whenever you shop for coverage, be prepared to provide information such as the car make and model, annual miles driven, and the driving records of you and family members in your household. When completing online quote requests, be prepared to share information from your current auto insurance policy, driver’s licenses of all drivers in your household, and the driving history for all operators. Generally, insurance companies ask for three years of driving history and will verify the motor vehicle report to check the driving records of all named drivers. They may also check claims histories for at-fault and not at-fault accidents and convictions. In addition to your driving record, many insurers use credit information to determine how much premium they will charge you.

When you compare quotes, be sure all quotes are based on the same coverage and limits. Keep in mind that not all insurers make coverage available immediately, even if you have made a premium payment. Always allow sufficient time to shop for coverage so you will not be without valuable insurance protection.

Once you have made a payment for the policy, make sure you have documentation confirming the coverage you purchased and the effective date of your coverage. If coverage is purchased online and you communicate with your insurer electronically, be sure you advise your insurer whenever your email address is changed. If you set up automatic direct bill payments where your insurer bills your credit card automatically or drafts your checking account, be sure you advise your insurer immediately when there has been a change to these accounts.

The Bureau of Insurance website at www.scc.virginia/gov/division/boi and the consumer section of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website at insureUonline.org contain additional information on auto insurance. The Bureau’s “Auto Insurance Consumer’s Guide” and corresponding premium comparison pamphlet in English and Spanish are available on the Bureau’s website. This guide is designed to help consumers understand their insurance coverage, how to shop for it, and what to do if a problem arises. You can also check the Bureau’s website to see if an insurance company is licensed to do business.

The Property & Casualty Consumer Services Section staff can provide you with copies of guides, assist you with any questions you have on auto insurance, and provide guidance on how to shop for auto insurance. The Bureau’s Consumer Services Section can be contacted at (804) 371-9185 or toll-free at (877) 310-6560. Consumers who are hearing or speech impaired may call through the SCC’s Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) at (804) 371-9206 or by writing to the State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance, P. O. Box 1157, Richmond, Virginia 23218.

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