So Google wants to get into the Personal Auto insurance business. Convenient, right? Maybe not so much. Google suggests that with their new program, you can “Compare Coverages, prices, and features, to make an informed decision.” The only information that Google ends up providing is a price comparison based upon the coverage limits that you select.
The coverage, claims service, and special features of the program are the points that you should be concerned with as an insurance consumer. Price is absolutely one component, but shouldn’t be the only consideration. Insurance is one of the most important consumer purchases that you will make. It’s also expensive. The process should be a conversation so that when you need your insurance carrier to respond, they’ll be there to fulfill the promises that are a part of the insurance policy.
Bill Wilson, director of the Big “I” Virtual University suggests the following short-comings with Google’s plan:
Exactly what coverages and features does Google Compare really disclose? What if I sometimes rent cars on business—which, if any, of these policies cover that? What if I sometimes use my own car on business? Some policies don’t cover business use of any autos and some don’t cover rental cars at all. Some exclude any non-owned autos. Some cover pizza delivery; many don’t. And the list goes on. Aren’t these coverages (or lack thereof) material to any informed decision? You will not find any information like this on any online insurance quoting website I’ve ever seen. And if you ask for a copy of the policies of the quoted carriers, good luck.
When in doubt, get someone that can actually interpret an insurance policy to walk you through the details.