ProtectantDirect.Com Launched to Meet Consumer Demand for Easier Online Auto Insurance

Western Agricultural Insurance Company has announced the launch of ProtectantDirect.com, a new online car insurance alternative created to meet the growing market demand for easy and affordable online auto insurance.

In fact, ProtectantDirect.com was built based on consumer feedback. The company surveyed consumers online and asked them what they were looking for in an online auto insurance company. The responses were clear - a simple, convenient solution to researching and purchasing auto insurance.

"We sought feedback from consumers and created Protectant Direct around their ideas," says Bruce Trost, executive vice president, Western Agricultural Insurance Company. "ProtectantDirect.com makes the process easier than ever before by offering quick car insurance quotes in just five easy steps, and making it simple to apply for coverage online. Our intent was to design ProtectantDirect.com to be the easiest way for consumers to purchase auto insurance."

Making online auto insurance easier is key, considering that the online channel is often the first place consumers go to research auto insurance options and rates. In fact, consumers are increasingly turning to the Web for auto insurance quotes and information. According to a recent survey by Keynote Systems, 72 percent of online consumers use the Web to obtain auto insurance quotes, and that number continues to increase.

"Our goal with ProtectantDirect.com is to serve customers the way they want to be served, and for many, that's online," Trost says. "And when our customers want the additional value a personal relationship with an agent brings to the table, our seasoned agents are ready to meet with them face-to-face or support them by phone."

As part of its aim to meet consumer demands, Protectant Direct also offers an auto insurance premium discount to hybrid car owners. The hybrid discount can help customers save 10 percent on most major auto insurance coverages.

"In today's economy, consumers want to save money -- that's evident with hybrid owners, who are looking for better fuel economy in their cars," says Trost. "Those same consumers can benefit even further from our premium discount on hybrid vehicles. Helping our customers save money, be more fuel-efficient and reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles is important to Protectant Direct."

When comparing auto insurance companies, shoppers may find that basic coverages are similar, yet details differentiate one company from another. For example, in addition to the hybrid discount, Protectant Direct customers may qualify for a range of other auto insurance discounts, and can tailor coverage with valuable options such as Emergency Roadside Assistance, Rental Reimbursement and Replacement Cost coverage.

For more information about ways to drive greener, check out Protectant Direct's Green List at ProtectantDirect.com.

Protectant Direct auto insurance is underwritten by Western Agricultural Insurance Company, West Des Moines, Iowa. The company consistently earns excellent ratings, with an insurer financial strength rating from A.M. Best of A (Excellent). (An A [Excellent] rating is the third highest of A.M. Best's 16 individual ratings.). The company currently offers coverage in the states of Arizona, Minnesota, New Mexico and Utah.