You want to find the best plans and the best rate from the best insurance companies in Canada. Is that so much to ask for?
At Higgins Insurance, we don’t think so.
That’s why we created this guide to help you sift through various online reviews. We’ll also provide some useful tips for choosing the best insurance company to meet your current and future needs.
Your Guide to Reading Insurance Company Reviews
You’re not alone: 97% of consumers turn to online reviews before deciding to purchase a product or service. At the same time, many consumers don’t know how to read reviews critically.
Keep the following tips in mind as you conduct your search for the best insurance companies in Canada.
Does the Company Reply to Negative Reviews?
There are a few main points to consider here with company responses or lack thereof.
First, consider how or if the company even responds. Negative reviews shouldn’t entirely discourage you from making a choice (unless they’re overwhelmingly bad, of course) but you can factor in how the company responds.
Did they make an effort to apologize and offer a solution? This effort shows that they value customer feedback and are willing to listen.
Did the company accuse the person who left the negative review of being fake citing their purchase records?
Companies will sometimes post fake negative customer reviews of their competitors online. Be wary and critical of anything over-the-top.
Are the Negative Reviews Similar?
If multiple people left similar negative reviews, chances are you’ve spotted an ongoing problem that the company has failed to address.
In some cases, the problem they describe might not be a deal breaker for you personally. Maybe their problem has to do with poor home insurance rates, but you’re shopping for auto insurance.
However, this still reflects that the company does not change its behavior based on customer feedback. Plus, what if your needs change and you end up needing that home insurance after all?
Are similar negative reviews several years old?
Bring up your concerns to an insurance agent when you meet with him or her in person. Have they corrected the issue since the reviews were posted? Maybe they knew about the problem and changed their ways but never responded to the criticisms.
In that case, proceed based on the response you receive. If they get defensive, it’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere — just imagine how they’ll react if you try to file a claim.
Consider the Number of Reviews
If you’re looking for the best insurance companies in Canada, you may not want to base your decision on reviews alone.
Let’s say that the company only has five reviews. It’s very likely that with such a low number, many of these reviews will contain negative content. Many people feel compelled to write reviews after a bad experience rather than a satisfactory one which can skew the company’s online reputation.
If a company doesn’t actively remind their loyal followers to leave reviews, they may end up with poorer online reviews than they’d like.
Do the Positive Reviews Sound Too Good to Be True?
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do the reviewers provide far too much background story about their life? Are they falling over themselves to mention every detail?
People paid to leave fake reviews will often provide a lot of information about their life and experience with the company in an attempt to sound real.
How to Find the Best Insurance Companies in Canada
Not just reading but analyzing reviews is an excellent way to do your research about insurance companies. Here are a few additional tips that will help you find the best insurance companies in Canada.
- Check with peers in your income bracket. Ask co-workers and friends how much they pay for insurance and if they’re happy with the service they receive. Checking with peers in your income bracket will help give you an idea of the rate you should expect.
- Talk to family members. Parents and older family members have likely worked their way through a few insurance companies throughout their lives. Which ones provided excellent service at a reasonable rate? Which ones would they avoid?
- Can your policy grow with you? You may only need a simple auto plan now but will you purchase a home in a few years? Do you hope to start your own business one day? At Higgins Insurance, we offer customizable solutions for home, auto, life, recreational, and business insurance. Plus, you can bundle insurance policies to save money.
The best insurance companies in Canada should be able to provide you with the insurance you need and nothing you don’t at an affordable rate.
The Higgins Insurance app makes it easy to update your policy from the palm of your hand. With the app, you can also keep track of your documents and paperwork in one convenient place. It’s better for you and the environment.
Higgins Insurance is Here to Help
Higgins Insurance is the fastest growing independent insurance broker in the Maritime provinces. We’re a family owned and operated business committed to treating our clients like family.
We know that no one wants to overpay for insurance. That’s why we offer group discounts and bundling options to make your life a little easier – and our friendly staff is always just a phone call away.
Contact Higgins Insurance today to request a quote or find out more about our customizable policies.