In the digital age, the Internet makes it easier for everyone to stay connected and perform routine tasks. Included in this is getting an online car insurance quote.
However, with all of the good things that come from the Internet, bad things including cybercrime has become a risk as well, with personal information hacked and stolen all too often. In fact, it’s almost a daily routine to hear about a database being hacked, leaving victimized consumers holding the bag.
With cyber security being such a major issue, it is not surprising that some people are leery of providing personal information in order to receive a personalized online car insurance quote. Continue reading to find out more about why insurance companies ask for sensitive information and whether or not you should give it out online.
Why Do Insurers Want Your Social Security Number?
Along with the dozens of personal questions that are asked with getting an online car insurance quote, many insurance companies and comparison websites will insert a question casually asking for your Social Security number. As it turns out, insurance companies care about much more than just your driving record and claims history when it comes to evaluating your risk. Insurers use Social Security numbers to confirm your identity and pull information from your credit report that helps them generate a more accurate quote.
For drivers unaware of the quoting process, this might be a red flag. Even with the promise of a secured website, the idea of submitting such private information may cause some to shy away – and with good reason. Hackers have been known to break into web servers and steal millions of Social Security numbers in one fell swoop. In fact, some experts believe as many as 60 to 80 percent of all Social Security numbers have been compromised. If you put your sensitive data into the online form, there is no way of knowing what could happen to it in the future. On the other hand, leaving the spot blank will compromise the accuracy of your online quote – potentially by hundreds of dollars.
What You Can Do
Unfortunately, insurance companies do need your Social Security number to process your information and provide a quote on coverage. However, that doesn’t mean you have to provide that kind of sensitive information over the Internet. Instead of completing the entire process online, consider working directly with an independent agent instead.
With an agency like Gutman Insurance, you can still save time by starting your search for car insurance on the Internet. We don’t ask for sensitive information online. Instead, you provide basic information about what type of coverage you are looking for, and we will set up a time to speak with you directly. All sensitive information stays between you and your agent, who will use it to obtain quotes directly from insurers on your behalf.
For more information about how you can safely request a quote for car insurance on the Internet, contact our team here at Gutman Insurance. We look forward to serving you soon.
