Google is synonymous with discovering information, and now the multi-billion dollar company is making it easier than ever to find and compare auto insurance info. The new site was launched in March and is called Google Compare.
How Google Compare Takes the Hassle Out of Car Insurance
The goal of Google Compare is to “aggregate [insurance companies’] questions into a single form” in order to display a list of more than a dozen prices at once, saving you a ton of time and research like one at https://www.comparaencasa.com.
All you have to do is enter your zip code to get started. Your final report will show not only national providers, but also local insurance carriers, giving you a truly comprehensive overview of your options.
Unfortunately, Google Compare is still in the early stages and not all areas of the U.S. are covered. In fact, the service has only officially been rolled out in California, with other major areas expected to be included later in the year.
However, you can take a look at the service now by entering a CA zip code to take a peek. The form is certainly detailed but is easy enough to fill out, and notes on the right-hand side give additional explanations for each field in case you have any questions.
You’ll need to provide information about each car you drive, including information such as its make and model and where it is parked at night.
Next, you will fill out information on each driver. You’ll want to take special note of the special discounts section. In California, potential discounts include military service (either yourself or your spouse), completion of a defensive driver training course, certain professional memberships and certain careers, including engineering and education.
Finally, Google Compare asks for basic information about your current auto insurance plan. All in all, it’s a quick and painless five minute process.
Google Compare will then email you a link to your personalized coverage quotes, which can include up to 17 different auto insurance companies, making this a truly comprehensive service.
Google Compare Already in Full-Swing in the U.K.
Google launched an auto insurance comparison site for the U.K. back in 2012 and has 120 providers within its system.
In fact, U.K. residents can also compare mortgages from up to 50 providers using the tool, and even hundreds of credit cards can be compared as well.
The credit card comparison feature has already been launched in the U.S., with 73 cards available for review. If Google Compare’s progress in the U.K. is any indication, U.S. residents can expect to see many more comparison features in the future.
However, no official announcements have been made yet as to any future expansions beyond the auto insurance industry. It stands to reason, though, that Google Compare could easily provide renters or homeowners insurance, coverage for motorcycles, and more.
Google Compare Is Comprehensive But Not Yet All-Inclusive
Consumers should note that although Google Compare allows users to conveniently compare a large amount of insurance carriers at once, not all carriers are represented.
Google has partnered with Compare.com and other similar companies, such as CoverHound, to make this comprehensive tool available, but compare.com currently offers 41 carrier partners.
Being the megalithic company that it is, it’s likely that Google will soon build a large list of insurance carrier partners of its own, especially as it branches out into other states and works with smaller, local companies.
It’s been speculated that Google is making this move in part to tap into the preferences of the rising millennial generation.
Having been practically raised with the Internet, millennials are comfortable with online communications and tend to turn to the web rather than picking up the phone when seeking information.
This new, streamlined process has the millennial appeal and addresses some of the shortcomings of an old-fashioned industry.
Insurance companies have the opportunity to leverage technology to stay relevant with consumers, and Google’s “game changing” move marks a crucial turning point for companies to adapt or risk getting left behind.