Whether it’s your car, your home, or your health, getting and keeping insurance is an important consideration for just about everybody. Here are some tips to help you navigate the maze of figuring out what you need, getting quotes, and getting coverage for these types of insurance and others as well.
When filing a claim with your insurance company, be proactive about getting updates and information about your claim status. If you simply wait for the insurance company to tell you how much they owe you, you could be in for a very long wait. As they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Get lower insurance rates by paying for your insurance annually or twice a year instead of monthly. Most insurance providers give a good discount for paying up-front. Additionally, many insurance providers charge a monthly fee of $2-$3 in addition to higher rates for monthly payment, so your savings can really add up when you pay in advance.
To save money on your insurance, you should review all of your policies at least once per year. Talking to your agent about any changes that have happened is a good way to stay up to date in your coverage. Let your agent know about things you have added and things you don’t have any more.
To save money on travel insurance, start by looking at what you may already have covered. Most homeowner and renter policies cover theft of property; many credit cards offer accidental death while traveling if you used the card to pay for the trip. Some even offer car rental insurance and extra baggage protection.
If you want insurance companies to deal fairly with you, then you must do the same for them. You might be tempted to pump up your claim or say you lost more than you did, but if you do this, you will add fuel to their concerns about claimant fraud and they are less likely to deal with you in an honest way. It’s the Golden Rule, once again: report your loss fairly and honestly, with all the details needed, and accept what appears to be fair value (if in fact that is what you’re offered).
Your insurance rates are likely set by zip code. If you live near a big city, the closer your zip code to the actual city center, the higher your rates will be. Consider this when looking for a new place to live. Just one zip code away could seriously lower your payment.
Ask your insurance agent for a list of the discounts they offer, and check each one to see if you qualify. If you do not use an agent, check with the website you use and find it there. Spending a little extra time on the search can help you save a lot of money.
It may sound silly but some people even invest in pet insurance! I, as an owner of two dogs, also recommenced it. You simply never know what could happen to your dogs, and they are like members of your family. This protects you in the case of a serious health condition that requires regular treatment. For example I had an epileptic dog growing up and we spent thousands on his care which could have easily been mitigated.
If you have not filed an insurance claim for years, check with your agent to see if you could be eligible for a discount. After a few years without filing a claim, an insurance company wants to keep you around. Use the advantage you have to negotiate for a better rate.
Now you know how to make wise decisions concerning many the various kinds of insurance. You’re ready to assess your needs and start making inquiries with different companies and agents to get quotes and coverage. You’ve worked hard for your achievements, and these tips will help you protect your assets.