When it comes to an auto insurance company, consumers have a vast selection of whom to become insured with. There is no single company that can meet the needs of all drivers which makes for a good reason to conduct a comparison. A competitive market can be beneficial to motorists due to the fact that insurers must keep rates affordable, offer ideal customer service and remain financially solvent to earn business.
With various carriers to choose from, it is important that motorists understand the make-up of insurers in order to help locate the right provider. The majority of companies use the same basic formula when calculating the premiums of potential policyholders. These factors usually include a driver's age, gender, driving history, place of residence and vehicle information.
Consumers should also be aware that there are certain companies who compete in the "standard" market and those who specialize in "non-standard" clientele. Dependent on the risk of the insured, a determination can be made as to whether a standard or non-standard company will suit best. Here is a summary of the different auto insurance company classifications:
Standard (Preferred)
Generally, insurers who target the standard market are aiming their business toward drivers who offer a "preferred" risk associated with insuring. These motorists are usually viewed a less of a liability to the company issuing the policy for reasons such as having a clean driving record with few or no violations, accidents or claims. In certain states where credit is allowed to be used by providers, this can also determine whether a standard auto insurance policy can be obtained.
Non Standard
Non-standard policies are mainly acquired by motorists that have a history of major violations, accidents, prior cancellations, claims and/or convictions of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. New drivers and those with high performance vehicles may also fall into this category. Generally, non-standard policies are offered at a higher rate and should be sought after once an individual has not been able to locate a company that can offer standard rates.
Addmitted vs. Non-Admitted
Every state has an insurance department which regulates insurers and it is important for consumers to understand that there are companies which are admitted (authorized) by the state and those that are considered non-admitted. An admitted carrier follows the guidelines of a particular state and must file rates with the state to gain approval for their use. In addition, it may be in a consumer's best interest to obtain a policy from an admitted carrier due the fact that they are also a part of a state's Insurance Guarantee Association which provides additional protection to policyholders should a carrier become financially insolvent. Non-admitted carriers do not need to file rates; therefore, premiums are not regulated and the state offers no protection against insolvency for policyholders. Such insurers are only allowed to conduct business within the state under certain circumstances and policyholder must sign acknowledgement of a "non admitted status".
A rating can be a useful way to determine the financial strength, reliability and stability of an insurer. Certain independent companies assign insurers a letter grade based on a thorough analysis which can be used determine how a carrier is rated.
There are number of carriers available of which it is very difficult to decide one from them. I am also confused which one to choose as I did comparison and selected few of the top most. I like the idea of choosing one based on the standard and authorization that you have shared.
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