Just because you shop around and find a low premium for your vehicle(s) doesn’t mean that’s the best deal out there.
When you are looking for new auto insurance or looking to see if there are other options out there, don’t look just at the bottom line. While you may pay less per month for auto insurance, you may also be sacrificing coverage.
Comparison Shop
Before you sign the on the dotted line, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Each agent may have different products, so make sure you understand the products and how they apply to you. If you live in a rural area then your rates may be lower than if you are in a more metropolitan area.
Get the quote in writing so you can lay the terms out side by side and see how they stack up. Are they talking about the same deductible and are they covering the same items? Are they covering new parts or reconditioned parts?
A lot of insurers offer inexpensive rates because your policy states they can and will use
Aftermarket body part if your vehicle is in an accident and needs repair. If you don’t want aftermarket parts (i.e., used) to be used if your vehicle is in an accident, then make sure that your policy states that only OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) parts are used.
This may cost you a little more, but then again making repairs with used or reconditioned parts may cost you more in the long run.
Comparison shopping is a lot easier with the internet as you can easily shop online and get a side by side comparison quote within a few minutes.
Research the Agent/Company
After you narrow the field, research your insurer. You aren’t getting a deal if an insurer takes forever to service your claim. You can find out about the company’s reputation by researching them in a national claims database. This database holds all kinds of information from people who have filed a complaint against them (if any).
Each state insurance department will also have consumer complaints information. Do an internet search and view the insurer’s record for claims service, as well as its financial stability.
If you see that a lot of people can’t reach their insurer or “they’re on vacation” or “I never spoke to the same representative twice” then think twice about signing with that Insurance Agent.
When you’re in an accident, you need assistance now, not when they want to show up. Accidents are bad enough when they occur, you don’t need the added stress of fighting your agent to repair your car as quickly as possible.
The Bottom Line
Although looking at what you pay a month for auto insurance is a huge factor, make sure they are going to be there and do what they promise to do. Waiting a week or more to have a service rep contact you and give you a quote a huge factor you need to consider.
After all time without transportation may effect not only you and you job, but your family’s as well. If the agent has a lot of complaints against them for lack of help or reducing claim amounts then press on a find another agent.
Research, research, research your agent to be. There are a lot of auto insurance agents out there. A lot of GOOD agents out there willing to help you out when you need it the most. It’s worth the time to find a good agent with a good reputation. Compare their products, costs, and reputations to find th
Recent Comments