Texans interested in comparison shopping for home and auto insurance coverage may want to check out the Texas Department of Insurance's (TDI) newest Web site: http://www.Helpinsure.com.
The Web site was created in response to Senate Bill 611, which the Texas Legislature passed last year. Senate Bill 611 requires TDI, in conjunction with the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, to establish and maintain a Web site that provides information regarding residential property insurance and personal automobile insurance, so consumers may make informed decisions relating to the purchase of homeowners or automobile insurance.
Consumers who click on the Web site will find a wealth of information about all types of homeowners' insurance, including condominium and renters insurance. In addition to being able to compare sample rates, the site lists insurers' financial ratings, complaint ratios and an explanation of what each policy covers.
Individual rates are based on the personal profile that a consumer provides and should be viewed as a sample only. For an exact quote, contact insurance companies directly.
Consumers interested in automobile insurance are asked to enter personal information, such as the kind of car they drive, its age, their driving records and the desired policy limits. Once they have entered the information and selected "Get Sample Rates," they will get a list of all the companies in the database and their sample rate estimates. Consumers may select up to three companies to view a detailed comparison of rate and policy information.
As noted on the Web site, rate, policy and contact information were provided to TDI by the companies listed. The top 25 insurer groups by national premium volume were required to submit sample rates. Other companies submitted data voluntarily.
TDI does not sell, nor does it recommend, any insurance carrier. The Web site is for information only. Consumers also may talk with a TDI staff member by calling toll-free (800) 252-3439.
In addition to its automobile and homeowner insurance information Web site, TDI has a similar Web site for Texans shopping for health insurance. The Texas Health Compare Web site at http://www.texashealthoptions.com has sections for seniors, college students, parents, individuals, unemployed individuals and persons with disabilities or uninsurable conditions. There also is information for employers with small, mid-size or large businesses.
Whether you are in the market for homeowner, auto, health, or Medicare supplement insurance, the two Web sites are veritable treasure troves of insurance information that should help ease some of the frustration and confusion that often occurs when shopping for insurance of any kind.
from Jeff Wentworth, Texas State Senator, District 25
December 2008
