As many more people shy away from shared spaces and public transportation due to COVID-19, it’s expected that there will be a continual rise in personal car ownership. So, if you’re one of the many new car owners or plan to get one in the future, don’t forget to make provisions to protect your investment with reliable car insurance.
Choosing the right car insurance can be a bit tricky. Some will describe it as aiming at a moving target because several factors can influence and make an insurance policy the right one. On that note, here are three tips for choosing the right insurance.
Compare insurance coverage and add-ons.
While the basic insurance coverage is limited liability coverage, it’s also good to figure out what type of insurance coverage and add-ons you want and which companies offer them. Some examples of add-ons include safety insurance and coverage for hospital or medical expenses in the event of a car crash. Others include roadside assistance and rental vehicle loss.
When you know your desired add-ons and coverage, the next step would be to compare these policies and arrive at a policy that provides all the necessary features you want and at the best price. It’s also worth noting that just because you don’t need certain add-ons now, doesn’t mean you won’t need them in the future. So, ensure that you review your insurance policy from time to time and choose an insurance company with several coverages and add ons.
It might best to consult with an insurance review site to find out which policies are best for homeowners, car owners, and companies, depending on your needs. Some sites list a variety of car insurance coverages and add-ons that policyholders can always use to make an upgrade as their needs change.
Research the insurance company.
Never be in haste to grab the cheapest or most convenient insurance company that you come across, as some dubious auto insurers can make “too-good-to-be-true” offers to entice unsuspecting car owners. Therefore, you must make it your responsibility to research the insurance company you want before purchasing a policy.
The idea of researching is to confirm the company’s reputation and financial strength. You see, a financially unstable insurance company may default in paying claims, causing you undue stress and loss. As such, ensure you confirm the insurance company’s ratings from sites like Standard & Poor, Fitch, and A.M. Best.
In addition, one of the best ways to know if an insurance company has a good reputation is by reviewing its claim ratio. You can do this by checking the state insurance department website for past complaints. Here, you’ll see different lodged complaints and respective resolutions. So if a company has many negative reviews or rejects most of their complaints without reasonable explanations, chances are you may have a similar experience.
As tedious and demanding as this process may be, it’s crucial because doing it can save you from future headaches and stress.
Consider your unique circumstances.
As mentioned earlier, several factors can influence your choice of a car insurance policy and company. Factors like your car model, driving record, lifestyle, and circumstances are all worth considering when choosing car insurance.
For instance, if you work from home or don’t drive your car frequently, you’ll be better off choosing a mile auto insurer that calculates your premium based on your mile record. Whereas, if you’re using your vehicle for car-sharing services, it’s advisable you get insurance coverage that covers damages by renters.
Since there are so many variables that could determine if a policy is the right one for you, it’s best you seek guidance from an experienced car insurance agent before finalizing your purchase decision.
