Stop Auto Insurance Calls: Tips To Block Unwanted Solicitors

Auto insurance calls, particularly those that are automated or pre-recorded, can be a nuisance and even a scam. If you're tired of receiving these calls, there are several steps you can take to put a stop to them. Firstly, you can adjust your phone settings to send unknown callers straight to voicemail or block them entirely. This can be done on both iPhone and Android devices. Additionally, you can register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which is a free service that reduces the number of telemarketing calls you receive. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you believe you're receiving illegal or unwanted calls. Another option is to use call-blocking apps or services offered by your phone company. These can help prevent unwanted calls from reaching you. It's important to be cautious of sharing personal information with unknown callers and to hang up immediately if you suspect a scam.

Change your phone settings to send unknown callers to voicemail or block them

Changing your phone settings to send unknown callers to voicemail or block them is an effective way to stop unwanted auto insurance calls. This method works for both iPhone and Android users, although the specific steps to enable this feature may vary slightly depending on your device.

For iPhone users, the "Silence Unknown Callers" setting is a useful tool. This feature allows you to silence and send straight to voicemail any calls from numbers that are not saved in your contacts list. To enable this setting, open your iPhone "Settings," select "Phone," scroll down, tap "Silence Unknown Callers," and turn on the feature. While this will prevent unwanted auto insurance calls, it is important to note that you may still receive voicemails from these callers. Additionally, ensure that you have saved all important contacts before enabling this setting, so you do not miss any essential calls.

Android users can also take control of unwanted calls. By blocking unknown numbers, you can automatically decline calls from private or unidentified numbers. To do this, open your Phone app, tap "Settings," and then select "Blocked Numbers." This will prevent calls from unknown numbers, while still allowing calls from numbers stored in your contacts.

By adjusting these settings, you can effectively reduce the number of unwanted auto insurance calls you receive. However, it is worth noting that some telemarketers use spoofing techniques to display different numbers, so blocking one number may not always be a permanent solution.

File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

If you're tired of receiving endless car insurance calls, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is committed to protecting consumers from unwanted calls and texts from telemarketers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to file a complaint:

Step 1: Understand the Complaint Process

The FCC offers consumers the opportunity to file informal complaints about issues with the communication services that the FCC regulates. The complaint process is straightforward and doesn't require any complicated legal procedures or charges. You can file your complaint through the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center, which will guide you through the process.

Step 2: Gather Information

Before filing your complaint, make sure you have all the relevant information ready. This includes your name, address, contact information, and as many details about the unwanted car insurance calls as possible. Note down the dates, times, and frequencies of the calls, as well as any specific phone numbers or patterns you've noticed.

Step 3: Submit Your Complaint

You can submit your complaint to the FCC in several ways. One option is to use the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center website at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Here, you can file your complaint online and provide all the necessary details. Alternatively, you can call the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) to file your complaint over the phone. If you use American Sign Language (ASL), you can also file your complaint via an ASL Video Call at 1-844-432-2275.

Additionally, you can choose to mail your complaint to the FCC. Send it to the following address, ensuring you include all the necessary information mentioned in Step 2:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division

45 L Street NE

Washington, DC 20554

Step 4: Follow-Up

After submitting your complaint, you can expect a response. The FCC will serve your complaint on your provider, and they are required to respond to you directly within 30 days. They will also copy the FCC on their response. Your complaint contributes to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts, helping to identify trends and track issues that are important to consumers.

Remember, while filing a complaint with the FCC is a powerful tool, it may not always resolve your issue immediately. Scammers can be persistent and deceptive, so consider combining this approach with other strategies, such as blocking unknown callers or using robocall-blocking apps, to reduce the number of unwanted car insurance calls you receive.

Protect your personal information

Protecting your personal information is crucial to preventing auto insurance spam calls. Here are some measures you can take:

• Never disclose personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card details, bank account information, driver's license number, passwords, or other sensitive data to unknown callers.
• Be cautious when giving out your phone number. Spammers and telemarketers can obtain your number through various methods, including fake charities, contests, or even from businesses that display caller IDs.
• Verify the caller's identity by hanging up and calling back using a number from the company's official website. This ensures you are not inadvertently providing information to a scammer.
• Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you do answer, hang up immediately if you suspect it is a spam call. Do not engage or provide any information.
• Utilize your phone's built-in features, such as "Silence Unknown Callers" or "Filter Spam Calls," to automatically send unknown callers to voicemail or block them.
• Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to opt out of telemarketing calls. While this may not stop all spam calls, it can help reduce their frequency.
• Use third-party apps with spam filtering features or carrier-provided services to block and identify spam calls. Examples include RoboKiller, Google's Phone app, or carrier-specific apps like AT&T's ActiveArmor and T-Mobile Scam Shield.

Screen incoming calls

Screening incoming calls is an effective way to avoid unwanted auto insurance calls. Here are some tips to help you screen calls and protect yourself from scams:

• Utilise Caller ID: If you have caller ID, don't answer calls from unknown numbers. If the caller has a legitimate reason to contact you, they will leave a message. Before calling back, conduct a quick online search to verify the number's authenticity.
• Be cautious with all numbers: Scammers are adept at spoofing phone numbers, making it appear as if a trusted company is calling. Therefore, it's important to be cautious even with familiar-looking numbers.
• Use call screening features: Many phone apps and services offer call screening options. For example, Google Voice allows you to hear the caller's name before deciding whether to accept or decline the call.
• Set up automatic call screening: Some devices, such as Pixel phones, offer automatic call screening. This feature will notify you if an incoming call is from an unknown or suspicious number, allowing you to decide whether to answer.
• Download a robocall blocking app: There are apps available, such as RoboKiller, that can help block unwanted calls and provide additional protection.

By following these tips, you can effectively screen incoming calls and reduce the number of unwanted auto insurance calls you receive.

Download a robocall-blocking app

Robocalls are not only annoying, but they can also be dangerous, with scammers trying to steal your personal information or money. One of the most effective ways to stop these unwanted calls is to download a robocall-blocking app. Here are some of the best options available:

RoboKiller

RoboKiller is one of the most popular robocall-blocking apps, and for good reason. It automatically blocks spam calls and sends them to its "Answer Bots," which are designed to waste the time of telemarketers and scammers. The app also offers "audio fingerprinting" technology, spam caller ID, and an AI assistant for pre-screening calls. It's available for both iOS and Android devices, although the iOS version offers more features. RoboKiller costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year.

Truecaller

Truecaller is a robust caller ID tool that identifies the name, approximate location, and other details of the caller, even if they're not in your contacts. It also has a large database of spam numbers that it uses to automatically block suspicious calls. The app is free to use, but the premium version, which costs $10.99 per quarter or $29.90 per year, offers additional features like removing ads and seeing who viewed your profile. Truecaller is available for both iOS and Android, but the Android version provides more accurate caller ID information.

TrapCall

TrapCall is a unique app that forces anonymous callers to reveal their identities. When you receive a call from an unknown number, simply decline it, and TrapCall will ring the number back to identify the caller. The app also offers automatic spam blocking using a regularly updated blacklist. TrapCall costs $5.95 per month or $59.40 per year for the basic plan, with more expensive premium plans offering additional features.

Nomorobo

Nomorobo is another effective robocall-blocking app, protecting you from over 655,000 robocallers, telemarketers, and phone scammers. It identifies over 1,300 new robocallers every day and is trusted by over 1,000,000 people. Nomorobo offers a 14-day free trial, after which it costs $1.99 per month.

YouMail

YouMail is a great option if you're looking for both call blocking and voicemail management. It automatically identifies and blocks robocalls, sending them to a spam folder. It also replaces your phone's voicemail with a visual voicemail feature, storing your messages in the cloud so you can access them anywhere. YouMail offers a free basic plan and paid plans with additional features, such as custom voicemail greetings and conference call recording.

Frequently asked questions