One of the best ways to find a good auto insurance company is by checking out their ratings. These ratings are a result of massive consumer surveys – people who have actually done business with several auto insurance companies are asked to rate the insurers based on certain criteria that includes customer support and ease of filing claims.

Keep in mind that these ratings are not comprehensive and are essentially just the opinions of a number of consumers who may not necessity comprise a valid representation of the whole consumer base. As in any other rating system, auto insurance company ratings have limitations, and the better you understand these limitations, the better you can use rating information to guide your decisions.

Do not be misled by high ratings, because they don’t necessarily mean that the auto insurance company’s rates are low. Keep in mind that most ratings are limited to certain sates or vicinities, and that the top scorers may not be in business in your area. The auto insurance ratings reflect average consumer perceptions of the auto insurance company and its service, not assurances of any kind. Be open to the possibility that while other people may have had good experience dealing with a particular auto insurance company, you may experience something different.

Ratings can be unreliable, especially if they are based on haphazard surveys that do not verify respondent ownership of the product or services being surveyed. For example, some rating companies may ask random consumers for their opinions regarding a certain auto insurance provider without making sure that the respondent actually uses that insurer. Non-scientific ratings are misleading, so be careful how you use the information they give you. Do not base your decisions on ratings alone – it is important to also do some research yourself.