In every financial topic, learning before deciding is important, but getting educated in advance, might be the most important in the field of insurance. The terms of insurance policies are written to punish ignorance and take advantage of the disinterested. Learn all you can to get the best insurance deals available to you!
Keep a written log of every conversation you have with the insurance company, including the date, time and length of the conversation. This will ensure that you and the insurance company are both on the same page about what’s been said. Recording this information can also help you reach a settlement, in cases of mishandling by the insurance company.
When purchasing insurance, make sure you buy it over the internet. Most insurance companies offer discounts for those who purchase their coverage over the internet rather than in person or over the phone. Some offer discounts between 5-15%. It may not seem like a lot at first, but it adds up over time.
Make sure you get the most out of your insurance claim by filing your claim promptly. If your insurance company asks you for further information, respond to their request as promptly and completely as possible. If they ask you for information you feel you shouldn’t have to provide, tell them so in a prompt, courteous letter.
When applying for insurance, the insurance companies take many factors into account to determine your rates, or whether they’ll cover you at all. Keep an eye on your credit score, as this is one of the newer factors insurers are looking at when determining your risk factors. You can get a free credit report online annually.
If you have a smart phone, use it to your advantage to help handle your insurance. Some companies have specialized apps for several aspects of insurance issues. From home inventory assistance to policy management and bill reminders, you can find a program to download to your phone. Check with your carrier to see what they offer, if you can’t find something in the app store.
See if paying annual premiums may work better than monthly. A lot of insurance companies charge extra fees for making monthly payments as opposed to annual. If you can afford the larger expenditure of paying all at once, it will save you some money in the long run and save you from having to make the payment every month.
If you are a member of a union or other important group, make sure to tell your insurance agent. Many insurance companies will offer steep discounts for certain groups, so you should ask your agent if yours does as well. You do not want to miss out on taking advantage of great benefits.
Also, check the records of an insurance company before you sign a policy. Some states offer comparisons of their insurance premiums based on location, which you could use to make a good and solid decision.
When you are going to be traveling make sure that you are properly insured. You can find great deals for travel insurance with a little bit of research. This can make a huge difference if you get ill or injured while you are traveling abroad, not just financially but in emergencies, it can cut down your treatment wait times.
Hopefully, these tips have prepared you a little to make wise insurance decisions. Do not stop here, though. There is an abundance of free information available to teach you more about getting the most out of the money you spend on insurance. More education will protect you even better. Keep learning and keep saving money!