Google Introduces Comparison Tool For Auto Insurance

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Shopping around for an auto insurance policy? Google has a comparison tool that might just help you find what you seek.

TechCrunch reports the tool, Google Compare for Auto Insurance, allows consumers to compare rates either directly through the tool or via a questionnaire that pops up upon entering the words “car insurance” in Google’s search engine. Either method asks for the consumer’s zip code and information about their car, then compares up to 14 quotes from Google’s insurance partners like Mercury Insurance, MetLife and Stillwater Insurance Group; insurance giants like Progressive, State Farm and GEICO have declined to work with the tech giant on this project thus far.

Said partners become involved through a flexible cost-per-acquisition scheme, with Google adding that partner ranking and eligibility aren’t based on payment. The tech giant says its partners can use the service to set themselves apart from the others by mentioning what features make one partner different from the rest.

For now, the tool is limited to California residents, with other states to join in later this year per Google. Further down the road, however, the company could use the information gathered from how its partners price a given risk to enter the insurance game as an underwriter, possibly pairing its offerings with its autonomous car.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Mar 11, 2015

    Beverlyyyy Hillllls, that's where I wanna beeeee! Gimme gimme, gimme gimme. -Hated that song. I hope they were a one-hit wonder.-

  • Mkeenly Mkeenly on Mar 11, 2015

    I tried it out last week and it doesn't work. The rates it gave were much higher than what I currently pay, and most of the companies that responded were assigned risk providers.

  • Fred Fred on Mar 11, 2015

    My experience is that cheap insurance is fine as long as you don't have to collect or have special circumstances. Even something simple like bundling with a house can be difficult. Not to mention classic cars or rental properties.

    • Highdesertcat Highdesertcat on Mar 11, 2015

      Yup, that's my experience too. All I've got on all our vehicles is the absolute minimum required by NM law. Even the 2015 Sequoia. But all insurance is bundled though USAA with Home Owners Insurance and Life Insurance. I've never had a claim or loss that my insurance company had to pay for.

  • WRC555 WRC555 on Mar 11, 2015

    I tried this tool. $449/6 months per quote vs. $555 from current insurer. The weird part is only one insurer out of 14 provided quote, and it's the same insurer I use now. Same coverage. Hmm, perhaps it's time to talk to my agent.

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