You can get auto insurance ratings from a number of services. But do these ratings really tell you what you need to know? Here's the inside scoop on how find the best rates with the best companies.

 

As a former insurance agent I'm often asked, "What's the best insurance company?" My answer is usually, "Best in terms of what? Biggest? Best known? Most solvent? Best rates? Best service?"

There are three major services that provide auto insurance ratings - A.M. Best, Standard and Poor's, and Moody's. However, their ratings focus primarily on a company's financial strength.

Nice to know if you're an investor or an insurance agent trying to impress potential client. But what you really want to know is how good a company's service is and how fast they pay their claims.

The best way to find out this information is not to check a company's ratings, the best way is to ask the company's customers.

But what if you don't know anyone who's dealt with a particular company?

There's an easy way to get the inside scoop on insurance companies. It's a little-known site where actual customers rate companies on such things as customer service, response to claims, and even website experience.

My favorite part is the review section where customers pass on their experiences with various companies. It is, to say the least, a real eye opener.

Be careful when you read the reviews because some of them look like they were done by insurance company employees ("These guys are the greatest!"), and some were done by their competitors ("These guys suck!"). As in the Olympics, toss out the highest and the lowest ratings, or at least take them with a grain of salt, and go with the majority.

Comparison Shop First

If your looking for the cheapest insurance rate with an A-rated company there are websites where you can get multiple quotes from top-rated companies. My advice is to check out one of these sites first to get the best quote, then check out the company.