Car insurance is a big decision. Not only is insurance very strongly enforced as a legal requirement to be on the road, but it’s also an invaluable peace of mind. A lot can happen in a second’s time when you’re cruising down the road at speeds upward of seventy miles per hour on America’s freeways. You’ll want to know that, should the worst happen, you have a solid, reputable provider and policy, and the same goes for those with whom you share the roadways!
Finding the right provider can be something of an onerous task, can’t it? Sure, you see countless advertisements online and on television from the bigger names, but what do you really learn from these? Not much, once you actually call them, and take the time to really converse with an agent about your own personal case and needs.
That in mind, today, we’re going to go over some simple rules for finding the best provider and plan for your needs. If you follow these common sense, logical steps, you should find yourself able to make an informed decision with little to no trouble along the way. There is no one right choice for everyone, so don’t be surprised if you still have to put some time into shopping around!
Knowing What You Want and Need
Of course, the biggest thing to know is what you want out of your provider. What kind of vehicle do you drive or plan to drive? How much traveling do you plan to do, and how much coverage do you feel like you honestly need? What’s your budget, and what’s your history like?
Knowing these things out the gate can save you a lot of time, and allow you to narrow down your candidates before you really even begin talking to potential providers.
Study Your Companies
Once you know what you’re after, and have a list of potential candidates, you’ll want to do some in-depth analysis of these companies. This has never been easier, thanks to the internet, user reviews and the transparency it all has by its very nature.
Check your state department of insurance website, make sure the company is licensed in your area. Look into their financial state through places like A.M. Best and J.D. Power. Investigate their BBB (better business bureau) ranking, and of course, read user reviews on places like Google, Yelp and other public places where customers can be heard without censorship.
Companies can’t hide their dirty laundry in the 21st century, you should always use this to your advantage.
Compare and Contrast
Once you start getting quotes from these companies, weigh them against data provided by people you trust – family, friends, colleagues. This way, you can get a good metric on whether or not you’re being high-balled by the sales agents of these companies, and may even learn about plans and providers you hadn’t had on your list.
Seek out discounts and bundles. Check out what these companies have to say on their social media outlets, and how the public responds to them.
Periodical Evaluation
Once you’ve got your coverage, periodically reevaluate it by the criteria above, because you never know when better choices may become available, and some providers have a habit of gradually raising premiums or backing out of certain bundled deals after a period of time. Never stop being on the lookout for better deals, plans, and contracts!
To learn more ways to compare and save on auto insurance, fill out our contact form below, or call us today! We’re here to help.