Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Car Insurance SEO writing - 9



I did some freelancing for a company called WebJuice, the Kayak.com of car insurance. My objectives were to stick to a topic, include all the top-rated SEO keywords on that topic and make it interesting.



How much switching is too much?

For some of us, the hunt for cheap car insurance rates never ends. We’re constantly switching from one provider to the next in order to capitalize on the best deal available, or to escape what we see as the inevitable rate hike from the last company. And while it is wise to keep one eye open for cheap auto insurance quotes, switching over and over in an eternal quest for a better deal can not only be time consuming and stressful (unless you’re into that sort of thing), but could actually keep you from getting the cheapest car insurance rates.

It’s true that insurance companies are constantly offering specials and discounts to stay competitive or even steal away customers like yourself. That certainly makes the idea of switching often enticing, but look at the other side of the coin: if other providers are offering cheap car insurance quotes and/or cheap motorcycle insurance quotes, that means your provider is most likely doing the same thing. And just because you have a set plan with them doesn’t mean you can’t alter it. If you have a good relationship with your agent, you can negotiate changing the terms of your agreement so you can get a cheaper car insurance rate. And of course there’s always renewal time, when your provider will be most likely to try to keep you with the promise of the cheapest auto insurance rates available. 

If you switch too often, you can’t establish the good relationship that could lead to cheap, or even very cheap car insurance. Some companies will reward customer loyalty with a more inexpensive auto insurance quote. If they see your history includes a lot of switching, they’re a lot less likely to try to keep you, as they think you’re going to move on anyway. 

There’s nothing wrong with switching providers for a cheap auto insurance quote. The proliferation of online car insurance companies makes it easier than ever. But switching like clockwork at every renewal is not advisable. As mentioned, your current provider may a spectacular discount coming in the near future, or your new provider may have an “unexpected” rate hike waiting for you shortly after you switch. It’s best to look into other offers when your renewal approaches, and if you see a cheaper auto insurance rate than the one you have, talk to your provider about it and see if it can be matched. Have a discussion with the prospective company and get ALL the details of their offer.  Read customer reviews and just perform your basic due diligence. Switching car insurance companies shouldn’t be a given; if you’re happy with your plan, there’s no reason to switch.  
 

Car Insurance SEO writing - 8



I did some freelancing for a company called WebJuice, the Kayak.com of car insurance. My objectives were to stick to a topic, include all the top-rated SEO keywords on that topic and make it interesting.



Should you stay local or go national?
When you start to compare car insurance quotes, one of the first questions you may have is if you should go with a local agent in your area, or try a national agency. National car insurance companies are ubiquitous; every other commercial on TV seems like it’s for a national company. It’s easy to get sucked in by their often charming ads, but do your best not to, at least at first. You’d be best served to do an in-depth car insurance comparison between your local insurer and national ones, and here are a few reasons why.

Your Local Insurer
First, there’s the obvious advantage (and it’s a big one): familiarity. Your local agent knows your city, and will interact with you on a regular and personal basis. He/she will get to know you and help you compare car insurance rates, and be able to advise you on a policy that’s most suitable for your area.

Becoming friendly with your local agent when making your car insurance quotes comparisons can also come in handy if your driving record isn’t exactly sterling. Past, non-serious infractions may be able to be overlooked, especially if they occurred in a different city, leading to a lower rate than you’d get from a national company. If you’re using a national insurer, you’re likely to speak to a different representative every time you call, who will probably stick to standardized rules and prices and have less flexibility when you want to compare auto insurance rates. In other words, your local agent is more likely to “have your back,” while a national one will be serving the company’s needs first.

A drawback to going local is that the reach of the company is much smaller. While your agent may be extremely friendly and responsive with you, he/she will still be working simultaneously with other clients who are making their own auto insurance comparisons. That means it will be difficult to get your agent on the phone or in an appointment at your leisure.

A National Insurer
When getting car insurance comparison quotes from a national company, you may not get the “love” you feel from a local one, but you’ll get more convenience. Because while national agent may not be able to meet face-to-face, most of them are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That kind of availability usually isn’t there on a local level, and it’s what you need if you like to compare auto insurance quotes at unconventional hours (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

Big insurance companies are extremely likely feature cutting edge technology as well. Perks like mobile access, online payment options and more may not be offered by smaller local companies. If you’re a tech savvy customer, you need a tech savvy insurer.

If you’re the paranoid type, and it’s okay to admit it, getting your car insurance quote from a national company may give you more piece of mind. A big name, nationally known entity is a more likely target of lawsuits, so they’ll be more likely to stick to the law and do business “by the book.”  A smaller, less-funded local company may be more lenient with the rules when trying to benefit you, but also when trying to benefit themselves as well.  

Is the choice clear now? Probably not. It all comes down to personal preference, but car insurance comparisons should be approached seriously. And the decision between a local and national carrier can not only impact the amount of money you save, but your overall experience as well. Pick wisely!
 

Car Insurance SEO writing - 7



I did some freelancing for a company called WebJuice, the Kayak.com of car insurance. My objectives were to stick to a topic, include all the top-rated SEO keywords on that topic and make it interesting.



How to Take On Car Insurance Comparisons and Come Out On Top: a Step-by-Step Guide

Making an auto insurance quotes comparison can be a tedious and confusing task. Clever catchphrases rain down on you, funny mascots yell at you and most often, promises of saving mountains of cash hit you from all angles. But who’s offering what’s best for you?  When looking to compare car insurance rates, it’s best to block out all the noise and keep these simple questions in mind.

1. What does your current insurance policy include and exactly how much are you paying?
You’re obviously not 100% happy if you’re looking to compare auto insurance rates with other companies.  What is it that’s causing you to shop around – the coverage? The cost? Are you looking to make a few tweaks to it, or a major overhaul? Before you make an auto insurance comparison, write down everything that you’re covered for currently, the exact price you’re paying for it (monthly and yearly) and what you’re looking to improve.

2. Really, how much coverage do you need?
After all, you’re not your hotheaded, lead-footed brother in-law, and you’re also not the environmentalist next door who only gets behind the wheel to visit the farmer’s market across town. You may have a long commute to work. You may have children. It’s silly to compare auto insurance rates with people whose driving habits are completely different from yours. Make an honest assessment of your driving style, ability and history, as well as other factors like location and the likelihood of certain incidents taking place in your future. Don’t overpay for a policy that’s more comprehensive than you’ll ever need.

3. Are you a good driver, and can you cash in on it?
Peruse your driving record. Is it relatively incident-free? A lack of accidents or violations can equal a cheaper rate, as some companies offer “safe driver” discounts and the like. Any car insurance quotes comparison should include looking for a clean-record discount. After all, you earned it.

4. Who’s offering what?
Your car insurance comparison must always include more than two or three companies. Shop around – a lot. Compare car insurance rates of 10 or more different companies, because little differences in what they offer can possibly mean big savings for you. Oftentimes, when one insurer lowers its rates, others will follow suit, or offer specials to stay competitive. So don’t sign up for the first company that looks good to you. Remember: you’re signing a long and possibly expensive contract; auto insurance comparisons can’t be taken lightly.

5. Are they as good as they say they are?
Anyone can make promises. But an auto insurance quote comparison would not be complete without a thorough check of the companies’ track records. How long have they been in business? How many people do they insure? Do they have a lot of long-term or repeat customers? And are these companies financially solvent? It’s your right to know if a company may collapse as soon as you sign a contract. There are numerous sources you can use to check a company’s financial and customer service history, including the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), A.M. Best, J.D. Power and Associates and more. It can feel like homework, but you can never be too curious when you compare auto insurance prices.

6. What are the customers saying?
Although it may seem like it sometimes, you’re definitely not the only one struggling to compare car insurance rates. Thousands of drivers have suffered through the same ordeal…and they’re willing to talk about it. A simple online search of an insurance company’s name with the word “review” will bring up a multitude of message boards, webpage comment sections or social media postings about how good, bad or indifferent the company is to its customers. An overwhelming tide of opinion one way or the other will generally tell you how you’ll be treated. When you’re looking to compare car insurance quotes, pay close attention to compliments as well as complaints.

7. Wait…people still talk on the phone?
Yup. Your auto insurance rate comparison shouldn’t be limited to online searches. After you narrow your search down to several good choices, pick up the phone and give each of them a call. Speaking to a real, live human can clear up confusing language that may be on a company website, give you a feel for the company’s customer service and even give you the opportunity to haggle. Tell the representative that you want to compare auto insurance quotes with other insurers, and have the relevant information ready, including the details of your current policy, driving history and the advertised rates/offers of other companies. Be patient and diligent and you’ll get the best policy possible.