The internet is a marvelous invention and something that most of us use on a daily basis. However there are precautions we all should follow and not give out personal information to any unknown source. We all know this but sometimes we are hoodwinked into giving personal information without knowing it. "Save Money on Auto Insurance" is a line used frequently and the one I want to address today.

Ads containing "Save on Auto Insurance", "Cheap auto Insurance" phrases should be avoided at all costs unless there is a familiar name of an insurance company or agent attached to it. If an insurance Company or agents name is not attached to it you are probably dealing with a "Lead Generating Mill" Insurance Companies and Agents are legally bound to a code of ethics that protects your personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Lead Generating Mills are not bound by such ethics or laws.

Most of us know to protect our social Security number; bank and investment account number and PINs but are less protective about other personal information. Once you give out any information to the internet it can be out there forever. Information as basic as Phone number and address can come back to haunt you

Here is how a "Lead Generating Mill" works. Keep in mind this "Mill" can be located anywhere in the world and may not be subject to US law. They attract your eye by a popup message or a seductive ad on a Google page. Whatever information they gather is sold to other enterprises. Sometimes they ask only a question or two. Your name and phone number for example. This information has little value to the "Mill" so generally they will call you in a day or two to obtain more information. The information gathered at this point can be extremely valuable to the "Mill" and detrimental to you.

The year and make of your cars may be sold to auto dealerships for their solicitation of new cars, car warranty, repair service. Certain aspects of your family situation might be sold to life insurance or investment firms. Driver license numbers and auto VINs contain embedded information such as sex, date of birth and eye color. The "Mill" will also sell the lead to several Insurance Companies, Insurance Agents. The information you give could result in a couple of Hundred dollars of value to the "Mill" and a lot of aggregation to you to answer the resulting phone calls.

I do not want to sound bias but everyone should use a local insurance agent to help with their insurance quote. I include my competitors and friends of Allstate and State Farm in that group. They might only represent one company but they can give you sound advise on your intelligent choices of coverage. I and most other Independent Agents represent more than one company. This allows us to shop for the best price between our companies and know their likes and dislikes and can steer you to the one most favorable to you.