5 ways to compare car insurance companies

When you've already reviewed great car insurance comparison quotes and like two or more prices that are close or equal, you have to choose the winning car insurance company based on other factors. And the cutest mascot shouldn't be one of them.

Car insurance companies evaluate and appeal to drivers differently. Some companies specialize in families, some in older drivers, and some with tarnished driving records. So comparing car insurance companies is just as important as comparing car insurance quotes.

To help you make an informed decision, Insurance.com offers five ways to compare car insurance companies and find your best match.

1. Compare Financial Strength Ratings

You really buy car insurance for one reason: to pay your bills when something bad happens to you or your car. You need to make sure your company will be there for you financially when you need them. The premier third party source for comparing carinsurance company financial strength ratings is A.M. Best Company. You want to look for a rating of "Excellent" or "Superior." Anything lower could indicate problems with the ability to pay claims.

2. Review Their Customer Service

Comparing car insurance quotes is one thing, but what about customer service? When you need to talk to the company, they have to be there. Look for customer service hours that fit your schedule, a call center that wins awards, and fast online or local claims service.

3. Research Coverage and Payment Options

Does the company offer the coverage and payment options you need? Make sure you compare whether the company offers things like Rental Reimbursement coverage and Roadside Assistance, if those are important for you. Also be sure to compare payment options. If you need automatic withdrawal or credit card payments, the availability of these options could swing your decision.

4. Ask Friends and Family

If the car insurance companies you're comparing still look the same to you, ask your friends and family. Ask around on social networking sites for people's experiences with each company. And don't be scared off if you or others haven't heard of a particular company before. If the company is strong and well-established, is well-rated, and has the options you need, find out more. Remember: advertising doesn't make a company good; nor does lack of advertising make a company worse.

5. Read Customer Reviews

Websites like JDPower.com, ConsumerReports.org and FreeAdvice.com maintain customer satisfaction surveys and reviews from users on their experience with car insurance companies. You can use these to get a good idea about what problems you might expect. And state departments of insurance have a lot of information on the insurance companies that operate in your state. There you'll find consumer complaint ratios that will tell you how many complaints a car insurance company has received per 1,000 claims filed.

You can also find out a lot about the insurance companies that insurance.com represents on our website - everything from financial stability ratings to size and the states they service. So shop, compare quotes - and companies - and buy the policy that fits you best, in less than 10 minutes, at Insurance.com.

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