The concept of comparison websites sounds great for anyone looking for products and services online. Instead of going from site to site, making note of all the pros and cons of your options, you have everything you need on one screen. Or do you?
The problem is that we assume that the smart tech and algorithms on these sites are working in our favor. We believe that everything we see on the screen is the best of what’s available and the best fit based on the search criteria.
The website promised us the best deal and has plenty of users, so why doubt that? Well, all is not as it seems with these comparison sites. You could actually end up missing out on a lot.
This is especially true when it comes to searching for important services like insurance. Comparison sites market themselves as the best option because of their user-friendly systems and efficient approach.
Many also draw us in by providing options for any type of insurance we might need. We can go on their landing page, choose between pet, home, car, and life insurance, and get directed to the right provider. However, there are downsides to this approach, and some sites aren’t as legitimate as you expect.
Why Are Comparison Sites Questionable?
Let’s start by talking about all the problems associated with legitimate sites. These sites aren’t always 100% transparent about options, costs, and what’s really available. You aren’t going to see every plan related to your needs because the algorithm doesn’t work that way. The idea is that the more information you give, the more accurate the results, and this is true to a point. You’ll still only get a selection that’s merely a snapshot of the market. There’s also the problem of sponsored deals, which gives the comparison site an agenda. They may end up promoting plans with hidden costs or poor coverage and leaving you worse off.
Comparison Sites As Lead Generation
Then there are the sites that aren’t even legitimate. You can learn more about a current example called Otto Insurance and how sites like this operate. If you aren’t familiar with Otto, this is a site that looks like a comparison site and seems friendly enough with its cartoon otter mascot in the corner.
The idea is you tell them everything about yourself, and they find you the best deal. The problem is that that’s not the full business model here. Otto is actually selling that information to other companies.
What makes Otto even sneakier is the wording on the website. They tell customers that’s what they’re doing without directly saying it. As soon as you enter the site, you get some icons for the different types of insurance and a prompt to get a quote. Sound simple enough. You’re asked to introduce yourself so Otto can learn all about you and your needs to get the best quote possible. There’s even an asterisk at the bottom saying they won’t use your information unless you email them with your contact details and ask to have that information erased. It’s your responsibility to stop them misusing the data. You also have to question where that reiterated contact information then goes. The concern is that other companies may not be any better. This is one of many reasons to go directly to insurance providers.
Going Direct To The Source
All of these issues with limited information and questionable motives mean you’re probably a lot better off going directly to the companies. Sure this is going to take a lot more time and effort to deal with them individually and contact them for information. However, that effort pays off when you see everything that’s on offer. This is when you get to see the alternative plans that the comparison sites didn’t show you.
For example, let’s say you’re looking for pet insurance for your senior dog. A comparison site might just show you the cheapest comprehensive plan for accidents and injuries, and that’s it. When you drive deeper into the clauses on a company website, you can see everything you get for your money.
Are there any options for add-ons, such as wellness plans and alternative therapies? Will they cover pre-existing conditions for a higher premium?
Going direct like this allows for some additional benefits, too. For a start, you can learn a lot more about a company and how they do business, such as how they pay out for claims and any charity work they do. You can also find testimonials from current users to see if they are easy to work with and live up to their claims.
Then, there’s the chance to speak directly with a customer support team. This is a great trick for getting a great deal. You can contact them and say that you’re interested but unsure how to get the most cost-effective solution.
You might get a little incentive to sign up if the sales team thinks they can lure you in and get some commission out of it. None of this is possible with a third-party comparison site.
Take The Time To Do Your Own Research
At the end of the day, this issue all comes down to the battle between efficiency and effectiveness. Comparison websites are always going to be the most efficient solution for getting a fast quote. You put in your details, get the search results, and pick the one that looks the best. It’s quick and easy, and you can switch your pet insurance to a new provider on a lunch break. Going direct is more effective and more secure.
You’ll have to dedicate an afternoon to researching your options and reading the fine print, but you’ll know exactly where you stand with the provider and what you’ll get. You also haven’t given a bunch of personal information to a third party who might sell it.
So, skip the efficient method of the comparison sites and go directly to the providers. You’ll end up with a much better deal and more peace of mind over your choice.
