How To Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Jan 23, 2012

Shopping around for auto insurance is the best way to make sure you are getting the best deal.  But not every agent or insurance company quotes in the same way.  It's important to be sure you are comparing apples to apples when you compare auto insurance quotes to ensure that you are getting a great deal.  That low price may come with lower coverage or higher deductibles and might not be such a great deal after all.  Learn how to compare auto insurance quotes for a truly good rate.
 
Are The Coverages The Same?
 
When you read over an auto insurance quote (and do read it-ask for it to be emailed or faxed to you, as mistakes can be made over the phone!) look to be sure that the numbers listed for liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, and the comprehensive and collision deductibles match up.  Then look for additional coverages that are listed on the quote, such as roadside assistance.  Make sure that all of the quotes you compare list exactly the same coverage, for accurate comparison.
 
Is The Policy Term The Same?
 
Some rates look absolutely incredible-until you realize the policy term is only six months.  Some companies offer different policy terms as well as different payment plan options.  If you plan to make monthly payments on your policy, be sure to ask for the monthly premium.  It isn't necessarily as simple as dividing a yearly premium by twelve.  Many insurance companies charge fees for the privilege of paying your premium on a monthly basis, which can make the total yearly cost of the policy higher than quoted.
 
Are The Discounts The Same?
 
An auto insurance rate may appear lower because it was quoted with a discount such as auto/home which you may not necessarily qualify for or desire.  If you don't plan to take out a homeowner's policy with the same company, make sure they haven't quoted it that way.  Also check for other discounts; they won't all match up, as every company offers different discount options.  The best thing to do is to compare which discounts you do qualify for, with each company, to help determine who is offering the best discounts.  Be on the lookout for discounts that don't actually apply to you and will likely be removed by underwriting after you accept the policy.
 
A good quote will be simple, straightforward, and easy to read.  It will outline all of the coverage included in the quote and apply only those discounts for which you truly qualify.  An inaccurately low rate in the quote won't do you much good if it changes once you accept the policy.http://www.carmar.net   
 
 

Do You Need An Auto Insurance Agent? Jan 9, 2012

Many insurance companies today don't sell their policies through agents, but directly from the company either 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 insurance agent just yet.  There are some very good 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 a lot more about coverage and policy limits.  They can share with you a wealth of knowledge that will ensure you not only get the right policy, but the best rate and a good understanding of what you are paying for.  An agent will help you select the best possible 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 truly 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 adjuster or other involved parties at the insurance company.  Because your agent knows all about the policy and how the claims process works, they will better be able to 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 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 simply can't provide that level of personal attention.
 
Are Agents More Expensive?
 
There is a general view that an insurance policy purchased through an agent will cost more than one purchased directly.  That isn't necessarily true.  The best rate for you may well be one from an agency, so don't discount quotes from agents when you are shopping for car insurance.  You might get the best rate along with the service an agent can provide. 
 
You might not feel that you need an agent for your auto insurance, but there are certainly some very good reasons to take the time to meet with a few and see if it turns out to be right for you.http://www.carmar.net    
 

Don’t Let This Be Your Reality Jan 5, 2012

This article explores several coverage issues as they relate to a claim involving your insured automobile.

I Had a Nightmare

It started when I, an insurance adjuster, visited an insured who had been involved in an automobile accident. It became clear as I

took statements and gathered facts of the loss that the accident had been very stressful to the insured’s family. They were like

many California families, the father worked full time and the mother worked part time when she wasn’t busy taking care of the

household and their two children. They lived paycheck to paycheck and missing work to deal with this claim on top of the

additional cost of alternate transportation was going to be difficult.

To make matters worse their teenage daughter Sarah, who was the driver in the accident, had not been added to their policy.

Fortunately, she was not injured and if all the facts checked out they should eventually be able to collect from the other driver’s

insurance policy. The delay in collecting and uncertainty about the payment could have been avoided if the insureds had added

Sarah on their policy. Since their policy included property damage, we would have quickly paid our insured for the loss and then

taken responsibility for filing a claim for reimbursement with the other driver’s insurance company.

The accident investigation would take some time and I knew the few dollars they saved by not including Sarah on their policy was

not worth the added delay. The next bit of news would not help. The damage to our insured’s car was extensive, yet the other

driver’s policy had only a $5,000 PD limit. That meant that a large portion of the damage to our insured’s vehicle would not be

covered by the other policy. Our insured would have to attempt to get the other party to pay a portion of the loss out of his own

pocket. Good luck I thought as I had noticed the other party was listed as unemployed and it seemed unlikely he had any assets

to contribute towards the loss settlement. Our insured was lucky that there was any insurance at all.

Our insured had over-extended himself when he purchased this SUV and now it sat in a tow yard, needing time and some

expensive repairs to just make it road worthy again. I was still wondering how our insured would cope with only a portion of the

repairs getting reimbursed when my dream turned into a nightmare. I was notified by an underwriter for the other driver that he

had not made his premium payment. He had no coverage at all. I was faced with telling my insured that things were only getting

worse. Not only was their entire vehicle claim going to be denied, their only option for any reimbursement would be costly

litigation against the other driver with a doubtful outcome. If Sarah had been on the policy and the policy included Uninsured

Motorist Property Damage coverage it would have been a huge help at this point and both our insured and I could have slept

much better.

After delivering the bad news to my insured I turned to leave thinking – at least no one was hurt. As I walked away I heard Sarah

call to her father, “Dad, my legs are trembling . . .” I was jolted out of bed by my alarm and after a moment of disorientation

realized it was only a bad dream. Fortunately, I was soon off to work to issue checks and help a few people overcome some

difficult situations. If only everyone in my nightmare family was included on the policy and the coverage was broad – this is my

dream.

Believe it or not, claims adjusters do not like to deny claims. It is much easier and more enjoyable to be able to help out people

who have experienced losses than to deny their claims. Please make sure you have all the coverage you need, make your Payments on time and drive carefully.
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Common Auto Insurance Discounts And How To Qualify Dec 27, 2011

 You probably hear a lot about discounts on auto insurance; television commercials for various companies strongly advertise all the discounts they have available.  Most insurance companies do have many ways you can qualify for better rates, and some of them are better known than others.  Although you won't qualify for all of the discounts, you can make certain you are getting all the appropriate discounts on your premium.
 
Multi-policy Discounts
 
Insurance companies want to get as much of your business as they possibly can, so they offer good discounts when you add more policies to your account.  Multi-policy discounts can include options such as multi-car, auto/home, auto/life, and many other combinations of policies.  Some companies even offer a discount if they insure your boat or RV.  Qualifying for these discounts is easy; simply start a second policy with your insurance company, and the discount should apply.
 
Good Driver And Longevity Discounts
 
These discounts are easy to qualify for as well.  If you have a good driving record, you should be getting the discount automatically.  The same usually goes for a longevity discount.  This is a discount that applies to your policies after you have been with a company for a certain period of time.  Often the longer you continue to renew the policy, the larger the discount will become.  The key to longevity discounts is to stay with one company long enough.  Skipping from company to company for lower rates may not save you as much in the end as staying in one place.
 
Discounts For Younger Drivers
 
There is no question that adding a young driver to your policy can be an expensive proposition.  If you have a teenager new to driving, inquire about a good student discount that can alleviate some of the cost.  You will likely be required to provide a transcript proving your child has the required grade point average to qualify.  Some companies also offer a new driver training course, and your young driver can qualify for a discount just by taking the course.  It can usually be done right in your agent's office.  Not only will you save money, but you will help put safer young drivers on the road.
 
These are just a few of the discounts you may qualify for with your insurance company.  Each company is different, so be sure to ask so that you don't miss out on potentially big savings on your premiums.
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Buying Auto Insurance Online Dec 22, 2011

 Before you purchase your car insurance online there are a few facts about online insurance companies that you should know to keep yourself protected, and to make sure that you get the best rate you can. 
 
Finding A Reliable Provider
 
The most important part of purchasing any type of insurance policy is ensuring that you are choosing a reliable company that can provide you with the type of professional product and service you need.  While finding an insurance company that can give you the products and services you want and need in the real world can be confusing enough, spreading your search to the World Wide Web presents a whole new set of potential concerns.
 
The key to finding an insurance provider online is to establish a set of criteria beyond the normal criteria you would use to select an insurance company.  This includes evaluating whether the company you are looking at is actually a licensed insurance provider or possibly a scam.  In general you need to look for:
 
A reputable company, such as your existing insurance company
 
A quality website
 
Information about the company and contact information that is verified
 
Association with a professional insurance organization and proof of license
 
It is never a good idea to provide personal information about yourself online without knowing who has access to it, and whether it is being transmitted securely.  If you are in any doubt it is a good idea to contact the company directly and discuss any reservations you have with them.
 
Buying auto insurance online can be convenient and safe, as well as a quick way to shop around, as long as a few precautions are taken.  It is always your right as a consumer to ask questions, and being proactive online in any context is always a good idea. http://www.carmar.net