1) Know your rights
Before you start purchasing a policy, it’s important to understand your legal rights under any plan that you are considering. This may include checking for endorsements on your own coverage, and what is covered if you do have an injury during the course of the claims process. You should also do some initial research on your state’s laws and regulations regarding auto-related issues. If you need more information check out our website “Find Out What Your State Requires Of Auto Insurers”.
2) Make sure they are reputable
The first thing to consider when shopping for a
new organization or company is if their claim history speaks well of
themselves. They should meet minimum standards that ensure the quality of
service they will offer and provide to their customers. They should have years
of industry experience. Also, look at the credentials of employees, especially
if you are dealing with people who go by various names.
3) Research the insurer’s
financial strength
Financial Strength Rating (FSR) is created by
Moody’s Investors Services. It measures an organization’s ability to pay its
debts as they become due and will be a good tool regarding how much risk an
individual faces in purchasing a plan.
4) Check reviews from other
drivers
In addition to looking through professional
sources like Consumer Reports or Motor Trend, it’s often a better idea to get
the numbers from other drivers. Many times we get quotes based on
recommendations or experiences that came from them.
5) Do some comparison shopping
Before
making an offer on a car insurance policy, make sure you can find out how much
cheaper your rates might be compared with others. One way this can be done is
to use free online tools such as Rate Hub.
6) Be wary of hidden fees
When
comparing different plans online, make a note of all the add ones and extra
costs that come along with purchasing insurance products. Some insurers can
take advantage of drivers, putting them into higher risk classes by using an
automated system of rating, in order to increase prices.
7) Think long term
There
are many factors that affect an auto insurance rate, and these things typically
change over time. For instance, one factor that affects premiums is how much
money has been paid in claims since that particular year. Another thing to
watch out for is changes in traffic patterns. New data shows that increases in
driving do not necessarily cause increases in accident costs.
8) Read up for tips on the proper
handling of insurance
Having read several auto-related guides, you
will learn more about the ins and outs of operating a vehicle. A great place to
begin learning is the Driver Responsibility Training Center at www.drivertrainingcenter.org/read-about-reasons-to-take-your-drivers-prearational-training-course.
9) Shop around
Not only does it allow you to compare quotes
quickly but also can be a cost-effective strategy. Even though rates vary, the
average will still give you better pricing options than purchasing policies
from companies with lower ratings.
10) Pay attention to local news
If you find yourself having any sort of
liability or safety concerns you may want to consult with your state’s
department of motor vehicles department and see if there is anything they could
help you with and if anything else would be helpful in terms of figuring out
your rates and finding the right choice for your needs.
11) Watch out for scam emails
As soon as you receive a quote from any
company, don’t click on links unless they are official from someone with the
agency you are inquiring about. Only read documents, emails, and texts that are
signed off from representatives of those companies.
12) Keep track of every renewal
date
At this
stage, whenever you do end up renewing your policy, keep a record in case
something changes in your personal circumstances.
13) Ask friends and family to
drive you
Use your
contacts to get quotes from multiple insurers at once, or just ask any friend
or relative and let them know you are doing so.
14) Avoid purchasing multiple
insurance policies
Buying multiple policies can end up costing you
more money in the long run.
15) Beware of fake agencies
Scammers
have found ways to con unsuspecting motorists into thinking they are getting
cheap coverage with discounts that aren’t in the real sense.
16) Choose a good driver
Once you
have chosen the company that matches your budget, choose an insurance carrier
that focuses solely on customer service so that you know you’ll never get stuck
with another provider.
17) Look the following pages and
websites closely
These
sites are often extremely useful resources for both consumers and producers
alike.
18) Take photos of your car to
verify the details
After
deciding on the insurer, take pictures of your car to show them how you are
doing with regular maintenance and repairs.
19) Get a copy of your insurance
premium card
While
having this handy little document should reduce confusion in negotiations, it
will also be a valuable reference point for any questions you might have along
the way and provide proof of purchase.
20) Learn about car theft and
vandalism protection
A lot of
accidents happen because you’re rushing to cover the damage, leaving no time
for repairs or even making minor repairs yourself.
21) Read about collision reconstruction
Although most accidents result in minor
damages, collisions do pose risks to your car’s value and can require
substantial amounts of repairs. You should be aware of certain requirements to
repair your car after an accident, and how this varies depending on your
coverage.
22) Talk with other drivers, see how their
cars are currently being handled
There is
absolutely nothing worse than trying to prove fault after a crash because the
insurance company is hesitant to listen to any other driver or mechanic.
23) Don’t waste your time
Time
wasted debating an issue only cause’s additional stress. To avoid wasting time,
shop around before signing on with an agent, and then reach out again when you
realize your rate doesn’t match where you were quoted previously.
24) Apply common sense
Every
year in America an estimated 30,000 children are killed due to child abuse, and
over a quarter of all injuries sustained by children involve physical abuse.
25) Always take care of your car
when it’s dirty
Dirt on
your car can reduce visibility and make it harder for you to detect intruders.
26) Never share your car’s
location with anyone
Sharing a picture of your car when negotiating
a deal is easy, but it’s just as easily possible for someone else to hack into
your computer, steal your info, and use it against you later when you’re not
paying attention.
27) Investigate your insurance
rates frequently
If you
find that your premium isn’t matching the rates you were quoted you can always
take a closer look at your coverage and check your rates monthly instead to
ensure that the cost isn’t rising without your knowledge.
28) Be informed of current events
Whether its
natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or major
technology events like widespread cyber-attacks that require immediate response
– knowing what to expect will save you time and trouble down the road.
29) Seek advice
Getting
professional help at this point in your life makes your life easier and keeps
you safe.
30) Create a car insurance
account
When you
buy a policy with your credit, it’s important to create an account for your
specific needs – whether it’s only paying your bills, or managing your vehicle
until you can afford upgrades.
31) Have a backup plan
Should
the worst happen and you lose your job or have to relocate, having a backup
plan will likely not put you at greater risk because you can access enough
money to cover the trip and your car in the meantime.
32) Prepare a letter of
explanation
Letting
your insurance company know of any sudden events that have caused you to
reconsider buying a product is the best option for transparency and peace of
mind.
33) Contact your attorney
immediately
In the event your car is damaged beyond repair,
contact your insurance advisor or the car accident lawyer you plan to hire
immediately.
34) Try to prevent future
injuries
Regardless of your age, make sure that you are
taking steps to protect you and your passengers against potential injuries
should you become injured in the future.
35) Give your car a full wash
Depending on your state or area, you may be
required to regularly wash your car.
36) Drive with caution
Just
because you can park your car safely and legally doesn’t mean you should.
37) Be vigilant with your driving
Since road rage has led to a rise in crime and
fatal accidents in recent years, it’s a good idea at least to stay awake while
driving so you fully understand the rules about speeding and not passing on the
highway.
38) Practice defensive driving
Defensive driving means anticipating,
detecting, and preventing hazards and incidents before they happen.
39) Wear your seatbelt
According to AAA, 40% of car occupants are not
wearing their seatbelts.
41) Install a security alarm
Keeping
your home, work, office, vehicle, and valuables on alert helps prevent unwanted
visitors and acts of vandalism.
42) Set a reminder
Remember
to set a reminder in your phone every few days if your car insurance won’t
automatically renew.
43) Follow a routine for a smooth
ride
Knowing exactly what to do next in case of a
breakdown could save you hours in the morning or the last minutes in the middle of
your busy day.
44) Use your hands
Always
leave your car keys with your door lock, and turn your car off when it’s
parked.
45) Be careful around pedestrians
Driving
near pedestrian crossings, crossing roads in intersections.
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