Shopping for car insurance is the best time to learn about and understand your policy. The worst time to find out what coverage you own is after an accident and filing a claim.
Ask your agent to answer these questions before you buy a car insurance policy.
What Auto Coverage Should I Get?
Car insurance is customizable to each person, and your agent can recommend appropriate coverage that addresses your concerns. First, you’ll need the minimum coverage your state requires, like liability insurance. But, many people want to protect themselves and their vehicle with coverage above the minimum.
Consider these auto insurance coverages with your agent:
- Liability insurance. Do you need to protect your assets with a higher liability limit?
- Comprehensive and collision insurance. Do you want insurance to pay for damage to your vehicle in an accident?
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. Do you need insurance to cover repairs if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you?
- Rental car reimbursement. Do you want the policy to reimburse you for a rental car while yours undergoes repairs?
- Gap insurance. If you have a loan or financing agreement, gap insurance can ensure you don’t owe more than the car’s worth if it’s totaled.
- Towing and roadside assistance. Do you want reimbursement if you need a tow or flat fixed on the road?
Your agent can discuss how each coverage works and help you determine if it’s right for you. Evaluate your auto protection every year as your wealth changes. At the same time, ensure you’re not over-insuring, like buying top-tier coverage for a 15-year-old car.
But make sure you ask the next question, too.
What Isn’t Covered on My Auto Insurance Policy?
Exclusions and insured responsibilities are standard with all types of insurance so make sure you also understand what your car insurance policy doesn’t cover.
Ask specific questions like:
- Will this policy cover me if I drive a rental car on vacation?
- How does the policy cover if a friend or a family member has an accident in my car? What happens to my premiums, then?
- Who pays for mechanical repairs to my vehicle?
- Who pays to tow and store my car after an accident?
- Who pays for medical bills if another person or I am injured in an accident?
How Much Would I Pay Out-of-Pocket If I’m Involved in an Accident?
Ask your auto insurance agent for scenarios illustrating how much you’d pay out-of-pocket in an accident that is and is not your fault.
Without specific coverage, such as collision and comprehensive, you may have to pay more out of pocket than you’d like. Also, ask about your deductible and how it affects your rates.
Discuss whether rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance are a good fit for you. If you already have another service like AAA, you may not need it.
Am I Getting All the Discounts That I Qualify For?
Auto insurance rates depend on several factors, including where you live, your age, sex, years of driving experience, driving history, type of vehicle, miles driven, and the insurance company.
Fortunately, many people qualify for discounts like:
- Safe driver
- Multi-car
- Safety equipment
- Multi-policy bundling
- Good student
- Electric/hybrid car
- Auto payment or payment in full
Request that your insurance agent reviews the policy to ensure you receive all the discounts you qualify for.
How Do I Know If I’m Getting the Lowest Rates?
Independent agencies like Winstead Insurance can provide identical quotes from several different companies, allowing you to shop around for the best price.
Let us do a free comparison quote for you with no obligation. Call Winstead Insurance at (410) 398-6700 today.
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