Dana Palmer, a spokesman for the insurance department said they expect to have complaints by Internet set up in the next few weeks. And he said consumers can use the Internet to compare prices locally and investigate insurance companies for complaints. Consumers can also see how many complaints each company has. If they see one company has a lot more complaints that other companies, they might want to steer away from that company. The new guides compare rates among companies that sell 80 percent or more of the auto and homeowners insurance in a rating territory.
Sample rates show in each guide are estimates provided by the insurance companies.
For the first time, those samples also include companies with rates not regulated by the state. Insurance department officials recommend that those without easy Internet access to check their public library. Many now provide limited, but free, Internet access. The paper versions will be mailed as soon as they are ready later in March. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.