Shopping for a car insurance policy isn’t always easy, but you can take some confusion and frustration out of the process if you obtain the right knowledge. By learning as much as possible about how car insurance policies work, you can avoid certain hassles while you try to find a suitable plan. If you want to get the best policy possible, you should remember to ask your insurance agent these important questions.
What Does This Plan Cover?
Just because you have car insurance doesn’t mean that you’re fully covered. You should find out how much coverage a particular policy offers before you agree to enroll in the plan. For example, if you enroll in a plan that only offers liability coverage, you won’t be covered for your own medical bills or vehicle damages and will have to pay these expenses out of pocket. Be sure to ask about which specific categories are covered.
How Is Your Claim Processing Handled?
The agent should be able to explain how your claim will be processed if you ever need to file an accident claim. Ask how long a claim typically takes to be processed. You can also find out if inquiries about your claim are handled by the agent or a claims adjuster. You can additionally ask if your insurance premiums will increase or if you’ll be charged extra service fees for filing multiple claims within a given period.
Can I Get a Discount by Paying in Full?
Your agent may offer you a discount if you offer to pay what you owe for auto insurance in full instead of in monthly premiums. Policy periods usually last six months to a year before a policy is renewed, so you’ll likely be paying for the duration of a single policy period if you offer to pay a lump sum instead of making monthly payments.
Is There a Deductible?
A deductible is a certain amount of out-of-pocket costs that you’ll have to pay before your insurance plan covers additional expenses. You should ask if a particular policy has a deductible requirement and what the deductible amount is so that you’ll know if that plan will be right for you. Oftentimes, you can lower your insurance premiums if you get a plan that includes a higher deductible.
You shouldn’t hesitate to ask an insurance agent the important questions that can help lead you to the right policy. If you need a new car insurance policy, contact an agent who can give you more detailed information and enroll you in a plan that provides the best coverage possible.
