Many auto insurance companies today don’t sell their policies through agents but directly from the company online or over the phone. It might seem that having an agent to help you purchase auto insurance is a thing of the past but don’t discount the auto insurance agent just yet. There are excellent reasons to consider using an insurance agent for your auto policy purchase.
Agents Know Their Products
Many of the customer service representatives who handle the phones at large insurance companies know the basics of auto insurance policies enough to help you select and purchase one. But insurance agents, especially those who have been around for a while, understand more about coverage and policy limits. They can share with you a wealth of knowledge that will ensure you get the right policy, the best rate, and a good understanding of what you are paying for. An agent will help you select the best coverage limits to fit your needs.
Agents Are On Your Side
If the day comes when you need to file a claim, it’s always good to have someone who is genuinely on your side. Especially in a complicated claim, your agent can walk you through the process and be there to answer all your questions. An agent is also there to step in when there are disagreements with the insurance company’s adjuster or other involved parties. Because your agent knows all about the policy and how the claims process works, they can better negotiate and discuss claims issues with your adjuster.
Agents Keep Your Policy Accurate
A good agent will take the time to review your policy regularly and make sure that everything is accurate and that you are still carrying the coverage you need. An agent knows when changes in your life might affect your insurance coverage needs, such as a marriage or a child reaching driving age. Large insurance companies can’t provide that level of personal attention.
Are Agents More Expensive?
Generally, an insurance policy purchased through an agent will cost more than one bought directly. That isn’t necessarily true. The best rate for you may be one from an agency, so don’t discount quotes from agents when shopping for car insurance. You might get the best rate and the service an agent can provide.
You might not feel that you need an agent for your auto insurance, but there are certainly some excellent reasons to take the time to meet with a few and see if it turns out to be right for you.
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Once you understand the various portions of coverage available through an auto insurance policy, it is time to consider the price. There are deductibles and premiums that you can incur when getting auto insurance, and also, sometimes, out-of-pocket costs you will still have to pay in the event of an accident, even after you have insurance.
When considering how much you will be charged for car insurance, there are a few factors the auto insurance companies think about. The first factor they look at is what kind of vehicle you drive –sports cars run higher with insurance than family sedans, and other vehicles have higher theft rates. Another factor is where you live – if it is an area that is more urban or has higher vandalism rates, your insurance will be higher. Those who have longer commutes or who drive often have higher insurance, and also your demographic statistics – such as your age, sex, marital status, and driving record – are all taken into consideration.
There are some ways to get yourself lower rates. If you are purchasing a new car, try getting one that “looks good” to the insurance companies – that is, it has a lower theft rate and is not prone to problems. Also, see what incentives your insurance company offers – many will have good student discounts for high school and college kids or discounts if you insure more than one car or have an accident-free driving record. Consider ways to reduce your driving if commuting to your job is a factor in higher insurance rates – possibly taking public transportation or setting up a carpool. The only way to ensure better insurance rates is to drive carefully!
Besides checking your payments for a new auto insurance policy, check out the deductible. Deductibles can vary by state and also by the size of the accident. For example, if you are in an accident with $2,000 worth of damage, you may be expected to pay $500, and the insurance company will take care of the rest. Choosing your deductible is an important task, as you have to consider how much you would be willing to pay in the event of an accident.
As long as you have a clear idea of what you are willing to pay and what the insurance company is looking for in you and your driving record, you will be well on your way to getting excellent auto insurance at a reasonable price.
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Three areas of opportunities to save money that you should pay very close attention to whether you are shopping for car insurance or saving money on your current policy:
Contact us, and we will happily review your current policy or give you a comparable quote.
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Florida is number one when it comes to fraud claims. Miami has been hot for years, but Tampa and Orlando are trying to catch up. I mean, they just changed the name of the Ford Amphitheater to 1-800-ASK-GARY.
If you are in Florida right now, it is essential to keep your insurance in place, even when you don’t have a car. If you are in an accident, take pictures, and write down the names and numbers of any witnesses. If it happens on private property, the police will not show up to do a report. More information on the Blomberg report.
Don Westerfeld 8/24/2010 9:24:00 PM
When you are surfing the internet for the cheapest car insurance quotes, remember that many advertisements you see are for companies that sell and share your information. We promise never to share your information with anyone else unless you advise.
There are hundreds of these companies out there, and they sell them to agencies like mine that pay 5 to 20 dollars for one shared lead, which is supposed to be sold out to now more than five times. If you get to a local company such as ourselves, we quote you through our seven companies in-house within minutes.
Experience the difference at Lock Insurance.
Don Westerfeld 8/11/2010 10:15:00 PM
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