1.) CONSIDER PRICE
CAREFULLY
You should not always assume that just
because you are getting a cheaper price that you have found the best coverage to
meet your needs. Make sure your agent explains all of your coverages and
options, don't get a lower price and then be surprised when you have a larger
deducible than you thought or a co-insurance on your medical payments that you
were unaware of , or on your homeowners a separate wind and hail deducible that
can sometimes be as high as $2000.00. The thing that may not be visible to you
is the financial stability of the insurance company itself, or the claims
procedure, ask the agent for the company's "Best Rating" guide and have them
explain to you the claims process. Be sure you understand and are comfortable
with your new policy.
2.)
DETERMINE AGENTS ABILITY TO OFFER YOU MORE THAN ONE COMPANY'S COVERAGES AND
PRICES.
A "Captive" Agent is an
agent that can only represent one company (State Farm, Farmers, Allstate,
American Family, etc..) An "Independent" Agent is has the ability to represent
many different companies at one time. By going to an independent agent, they can
research the best company for you at the most competitive price and not just
give you the one company and only price they have available. Another benefit to
an independent agent is their ability to move you to a different company if for
some reason the service of your company is not up to par or if the rates take an
unexpected jump. Independent Agents have more flexibility to help
you!!
3.) I'VE NEVER
HEARD OF THAT COMPANY
When you visit an Independent Agent and
they give you a quote for your coverage it may be with a company that you have
never heard of before. Don't be alarmed, most companies that independent Agents
represent don't do a lot of "big advertising" but they are very solid, well
respected companies with excellent claims service.
4.) INQUIRE ABOUT
DISCOUNTS
Make sure you are aware
of the discounts that you are getting and all of the other discounts that are
available. Following are examples of some discounts that are
available.
- Package
discount for home and auto
- 3
years no prior losses
- Airbags
- Anti
Lock Brakes
- Increased
Deductibles
- Good
Credit
- Alarm
Systems
- Fire
Extinguishers
- Good
Student
- Drivers
Education
- Over
55 years of age
- Retired
- Driving
a company car less than 3 miles to work
- Smoke
Alarms
- Anniversary
Credit
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