Safety of Getting Covered Through the Web Discussed by OnlineAutoInsurance.com

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA, June 08, 2011 (Press-News.org) A new report released last month by consumer-research company comScore indicates that the annual volume of auto insurance policies purchased online grew by about 80 percent between 2006 and 2010. With more and more shoppers purchasing their policies through this method, it's important to stop and ask about the safety of buying such a complex item as financial protection over the Web.

In a new FAQ published on OnlineAutoInsurance.com, the writers look into the possible pitfalls in the process of buying policies and getting car insurance quotes online. They say that buying policies safely over the Web requires the basic precautions that should be taken with any sort of Internet-based exchange involving sensitive information.

When getting quoted for prices, consumers will be asked for things like their address and basic summaries of their credit status and driving history. These pieces of information are required because it allows the rate-generator tool to more accurately give price estimates. But third-party sites' asking for sensitive data like social security numbers, driver's license numbers or credit card information just during the initial quoting process are red flags that consumers should heed.

When it comes time to purchase the policy, however, credit card info will obviously be a necessity. OnlineAutoInsurance.com recommends that soon-to-be policyholders check the actual Web address for pages asking for credit card information. If the beginning of the URL reads "https" instead of "http", it's more likely that the transaction is secure, though this is not a fool-proof way of judging security. Other markers that could indicate safer sites include VeriSign, TRUSTe and McAfee SECURE certification insignias. These icons can usually be clicked to verify their status.

Texas regulators say that consumers should especially use caution when they are considering purchasing coverage from unsolicited entities that have contacted them via email.

http://www.insurance.tx.gov/pubs/consumer/cb035.html

To learn more about getting rate evaluations and purchasing insurance policies through the Web, readers can go to http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/ where visitors will have access to informative resource pages and a quote-comparison generator that can help motorists get affordable prices for coverage.

To access the full FAQ, visitors can follow the "Questions" link located at the top of any page on the site.