When you buy insurance, you're really buying something that you hope you'll never have to use. But if you ever do need to file an insurance claim, you'll understand why having the right amount and right types of coverage is important.
Decide how much insurance you need
You can't stop bad things from happening. But you can protect yourself financially by purchasing insurance. How much insurance you need depends on a lot of factors including how much you owe and own, how much your assets are worth, whether you have dependents, and how much out-of-pocket cost you could afford to bear. You can estimate your coverage needs using calculators or worksheets available on-line, but it's a good idea to sit down with an insurance agent or broker who can thoroughly evaluate your needs.
Comparison shop
No matter what type of insurance you're buying, the process is essentially the same. Once you've decided what type of insurance and how much coverage you need, you can begin contacting insurance companies online, directly by phone, or through an insurance agent or broker to obtain quotes. Get quotes from several different insurers because premium cost can vary widely.
But compare the coverage offered, too. A policy might cost less because it offers fewer, or different, features and benefits. And make sure the company you've settled on is reputable, with good customer service and claims-paying ability. All insurance companies are rated by major rating agencies (e.g. Standard & Poor's, Moody's, A.M. Best) on their ability to pay claims. You can access these ratings online, through public libraries, or through car insurance company literature.
Understand what you're buying
An insurance policy is a legal contract that may be loaded with technical terms that are hard to understand. But read it anyway before you sign on the dotted line to find out about the coverage you're buying.
Monday, August 25, 2008
How To Switch Car Insurance Companies
It may be easier than you think!
There are many reasons why you may choose to move your auto insurance coverage to another company. You might have changed jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another insurer, or maybe you're unhappy with the service that your present company provides. Perhaps you've simply found another company willing to offer you the same level of coverage for considerably less money. Nowadays, many insurance companies provide 24-hour rate information through their toll-free numbers or websites, so investigating your options has never been easier. Another valuable source of information is your state's Department of Insurance.
Why switch to a new insurance carrier?
Regularly review your auto coverage to make sure that you're receiving the best insurance value for your money. You'll discover that it pays to shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies vary widely among different companies. The reasons for this price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a company's claims experience with policyholders in your coverage group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in your coverage group files claims during a given year, your rates will likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower overall premiums may be available at other companies, although some states strictly regulate the price of coverage. When you decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you'll find that it's fairly easy to do so.
How to cancel your old policy
Generally, all you need to do to cancel your auto policy is to inform your insurance company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy canceled. In some states, your new agent must notify your previous agent of the policy change. Some companies ask that you send back the actual printed policy. Your insurance company will send you a cancellation request form that you should sign and return. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all information regarding your policy is correct. If you do not receive such a form within two weeks of sending your letter, call your agent or the company immediately to check on the status of your cancellation. Don't just walk away from your old policy without formally canceling it. Otherwise, the insurance company might assume you wished to continue your coverage, and it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay premiums and report your lack of coverage to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating and your ability to get a new policy.
Be sure to get a new policy first
Always have a new policy in place before canceling your old auto insurance coverage. You don't want to have a gap in protection for even one day. Fortunately, there is little danger of this happening. Most states require all drivers living within their borders to carry a minimum level of auto insurance. So, most insurance companies now require policyholders to present proof of new coverage before they will cancel an active policy. You may need to show your old carrier copies of a new insurance identification card or the Declarations Page of your new policy. Your new company will be able to time the onset of your new policy to coincide with the cancellation of your old coverage.
When to switch policies
The best time to switch auto insurance carriers is just before your old policy is about to renew. This will allow you to avoid paying for printing and start-up expenses the company incurs as part of the policy renewal process. You also avoid the inconvenience of figuring out the amount of any unused premium that should be returned to you.
A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately a month before a new policy period begins, depending on the regulations in your state. The notice will describe your coverage, discounts, and the amount of premium you owe. Should you decide to switch policies, you'll need to line up a new policy by the time your current policy renews, although most states allow about a month after renewal to switch. If you miss the deadline, you may end up paying a cancellation penalty.
You don't have to wait until renewal
All standard auto insurance policies contain a provision giving you the right to cancel your policy at any time, once proper notice is given to the insurance company. You don't necessarily have to wait until renewal time. Cancellation after a policy has renewed is most convenient at the end of a payment cycle. That way, you're not forced to deal with recovering the unused portion of your paid premium. But if you choose to cancel in the middle of a cycle, the company will prorate your latest premium payment up to the cancellation date and return the remainder to you. However, a special "short rate" (cancellation penalty) will be deducted to pay the administrative costs of renewing the policy.
How long does it take to switch?
When you switch companies, your new agent or insurer can execute the change in as little as one day. You'll need to provide a cancellation date, your former agent's name, and the name of the insurer. It would also be helpful to show your new agent a copy of the old policy's specifications page in order to match the coverage.
There are many reasons why you may choose to move your auto insurance coverage to another company. You might have changed jobs and are eligible for a group discount through another insurer, or maybe you're unhappy with the service that your present company provides. Perhaps you've simply found another company willing to offer you the same level of coverage for considerably less money. Nowadays, many insurance companies provide 24-hour rate information through their toll-free numbers or websites, so investigating your options has never been easier. Another valuable source of information is your state's Department of Insurance.
Why switch to a new insurance carrier?
Regularly review your auto coverage to make sure that you're receiving the best insurance value for your money. You'll discover that it pays to shop around. In some states, premiums for identical policies vary widely among different companies. The reasons for this price variation can be very complicated, but they boil down to a company's claims experience with policyholders in your coverage group (e.g. people of similar age, number of accidents, type of vehicle). For example, if a large number of people in your coverage group files claims during a given year, your rates will likely rise. When this happens, better discounts and lower overall premiums may be available at other companies, although some states strictly regulate the price of coverage. When you decide to switch your auto insurance to another company, you'll find that it's fairly easy to do so.
How to cancel your old policy
Generally, all you need to do to cancel your auto policy is to inform your insurance company in writing, specifying the date you want the policy canceled. In some states, your new agent must notify your previous agent of the policy change. Some companies ask that you send back the actual printed policy. Your insurance company will send you a cancellation request form that you should sign and return. Examine the form carefully to make sure that all information regarding your policy is correct. If you do not receive such a form within two weeks of sending your letter, call your agent or the company immediately to check on the status of your cancellation. Don't just walk away from your old policy without formally canceling it. Otherwise, the insurance company might assume you wished to continue your coverage, and it might eventually terminate the policy for failure to pay premiums and report your lack of coverage to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This can hurt your credit rating and your ability to get a new policy.
Be sure to get a new policy first
Always have a new policy in place before canceling your old auto insurance coverage. You don't want to have a gap in protection for even one day. Fortunately, there is little danger of this happening. Most states require all drivers living within their borders to carry a minimum level of auto insurance. So, most insurance companies now require policyholders to present proof of new coverage before they will cancel an active policy. You may need to show your old carrier copies of a new insurance identification card or the Declarations Page of your new policy. Your new company will be able to time the onset of your new policy to coincide with the cancellation of your old coverage.
When to switch policies
The best time to switch auto insurance carriers is just before your old policy is about to renew. This will allow you to avoid paying for printing and start-up expenses the company incurs as part of the policy renewal process. You also avoid the inconvenience of figuring out the amount of any unused premium that should be returned to you.
A renewal notice will be sent to you approximately a month before a new policy period begins, depending on the regulations in your state. The notice will describe your coverage, discounts, and the amount of premium you owe. Should you decide to switch policies, you'll need to line up a new policy by the time your current policy renews, although most states allow about a month after renewal to switch. If you miss the deadline, you may end up paying a cancellation penalty.
You don't have to wait until renewal
All standard auto insurance policies contain a provision giving you the right to cancel your policy at any time, once proper notice is given to the insurance company. You don't necessarily have to wait until renewal time. Cancellation after a policy has renewed is most convenient at the end of a payment cycle. That way, you're not forced to deal with recovering the unused portion of your paid premium. But if you choose to cancel in the middle of a cycle, the company will prorate your latest premium payment up to the cancellation date and return the remainder to you. However, a special "short rate" (cancellation penalty) will be deducted to pay the administrative costs of renewing the policy.
How long does it take to switch?
When you switch companies, your new agent or insurer can execute the change in as little as one day. You'll need to provide a cancellation date, your former agent's name, and the name of the insurer. It would also be helpful to show your new agent a copy of the old policy's specifications page in order to match the coverage.
2007 Auto Insurance Pricing Report
Based on data from the lowest average auto insurance rates viewed by over 1.4 million car insurance consumers on Insurance.com, auto insurance rates continued to decline according to Insurance.com’s 2007 Auto Insurance Pricing Report. Only six states on Insurance.com’s platform showed increases in premiums; the rest all showed decreases, in many cases for the third year in a row.
With a year that saw increased competition between auto insurance companies, and higher, though arguably more stable gas prices, car insurance rates continued to decline for many states,” reports David Roush, CEO of Insurance.com. “Our 2007 Auto Insurance Pricing Report indicates a 5.2% decrease in car insurance rates from 2006 prices.”
In Insurance.com’s 2006 Pricing Report, the national average premium was $1965. This went down to $1868 in 2007. “This is a clear indication that prices are constantly changing, often in favor of the consumer. It’s never been more important to make sure you’re not overpaying for your auto insurance. Insurance.com makes it easy to compare rates from leading national companies,and to buy immediately, online or over the phone.”
According to the Insurance.com 2007 Auto Insurance Report, North Carolina saw the largest decrease in car insurance premiums, paying an average of $1,816 for car insurance – a 24.5% decrease from 2006. This is the first year since 2004 where North Carolina has showna decrease in the Insurance.com Pricing Reports. Arkansas and South Dakota were in second and third place, with decreases of 14.5% and 14.4% accordingly.
With a year that saw increased competition between auto insurance companies, and higher, though arguably more stable gas prices, car insurance rates continued to decline for many states,” reports David Roush, CEO of Insurance.com. “Our 2007 Auto Insurance Pricing Report indicates a 5.2% decrease in car insurance rates from 2006 prices.”
In Insurance.com’s 2006 Pricing Report, the national average premium was $1965. This went down to $1868 in 2007. “This is a clear indication that prices are constantly changing, often in favor of the consumer. It’s never been more important to make sure you’re not overpaying for your auto insurance. Insurance.com makes it easy to compare rates from leading national companies,and to buy immediately, online or over the phone.”
According to the Insurance.com 2007 Auto Insurance Report, North Carolina saw the largest decrease in car insurance premiums, paying an average of $1,816 for car insurance – a 24.5% decrease from 2006. This is the first year since 2004 where North Carolina has showna decrease in the Insurance.com Pricing Reports. Arkansas and South Dakota were in second and third place, with decreases of 14.5% and 14.4% accordingly.
Top 10 Auto Insurance Myths
The color of my car determines my auto insurance rate. My credit score has no bearing on my insurance premium. I have auto insurance coverage so my new car is already covered… right?
Maybe not! Below is a list of fallacies many car owners believe and drive by each day. The truth just might make you change course.
Myth #10 "No-fault insurance means it's not my fault!"
False. No-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault.
Myth #9 "The color of my car affects my insurance rate."
False. The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rate. What does influence your rate is your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, and engine size, along with your credit history and driving record.
Myth #8 "If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages… right?"
False. Your car, your responsibility! And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, you still will receive a mark on your insurance record and your insurance premium could possibly go up.
Myth #7 "My insurance rate is set by the government."
False. The government does not set your car insurance rate. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.
Myth #6 "I recently paid my insurance premium, so the new car I just purchased is covered."
Not necessarily. Most automobile policies require that the policyholder notify the insurance company or agent within a specified number of days, if indeed coverage is desired for the newly purchased vehicle.
Myth #5 "It's a fact. Males under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance."
True and False. Males under 25 years old can potentially pay more for car insurance than female drivers. However, across the board, teenagers and seniors pay more for auto insurance, in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.
Myth #4 "My credit score has no effect on my insurance rate."
False. Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when deciding to increase or renew your auto insurance coverage.
Myth #3 "Even without comprehensive coverage, I'm still covered for theft, windstorms, hail and deer accidents."
False. Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance-which covers damage to your car resulting from driving accidents--that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.
Myth #2 "My personal auto insurance covers both my personal and business use of my car."
False. If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use as well. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.
Myth #1 "I've never had or been involved in a car accident, so I don't need automobile insurance."
False. Some drivers are lucky enough never to have been or to be involved in an accident. However, car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event of an automobile accident. It's also a legal issue. You are legally required to have some form of auto insurance, and failing to do so carries some fairly strict punishments.
Maybe not! Below is a list of fallacies many car owners believe and drive by each day. The truth just might make you change course.
Myth #10 "No-fault insurance means it's not my fault!"
False. No-fault insurance means that your insurance company pays for your damages regardless of who's at fault.
Myth #9 "The color of my car affects my insurance rate."
False. The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rate. What does influence your rate is your vehicle's year, make, model, body type, and engine size, along with your credit history and driving record.
Myth #8 "If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damages… right?"
False. Your car, your responsibility! And guess what, even though you weren't present at the time of the accident, you still will receive a mark on your insurance record and your insurance premium could possibly go up.
Myth #7 "My insurance rate is set by the government."
False. The government does not set your car insurance rate. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.
Myth #6 "I recently paid my insurance premium, so the new car I just purchased is covered."
Not necessarily. Most automobile policies require that the policyholder notify the insurance company or agent within a specified number of days, if indeed coverage is desired for the newly purchased vehicle.
Myth #5 "It's a fact. Males under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance."
True and False. Males under 25 years old can potentially pay more for car insurance than female drivers. However, across the board, teenagers and seniors pay more for auto insurance, in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.
Myth #4 "My credit score has no effect on my insurance rate."
False. Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when deciding to increase or renew your auto insurance coverage.
Myth #3 "Even without comprehensive coverage, I'm still covered for theft, windstorms, hail and deer accidents."
False. Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance-which covers damage to your car resulting from driving accidents--that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.
Myth #2 "My personal auto insurance covers both my personal and business use of my car."
False. If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use as well. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.
Myth #1 "I've never had or been involved in a car accident, so I don't need automobile insurance."
False. Some drivers are lucky enough never to have been or to be involved in an accident. However, car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event of an automobile accident. It's also a legal issue. You are legally required to have some form of auto insurance, and failing to do so carries some fairly strict punishments.
Save on Auto Insurance With a Hybrid
Between gas prices and the economy, American drivers are having trouble deciding what autos to buy. Many people are exploring alternatives, from bikes, to buses, to biofuels. One auto alternative is hybrid cars. But what exactly is a hybrid and why would you want one?
Gas Mileage. The reason most people want a hybrid is because of the great gas mileage they can get. How is this possible? Technology for hybrid autos varies, but higher fuel efficiency is usually accomplished with an electric motor. Batteries store energy recovered during braking and supply that energy back to the electric motor, cutting down on the amount of gas used. A 2008 Toyota Prius, for example, gets an EPA estimated 46 MPG for combined use, while a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid gets an EPA combined rating of 42 MPG.
Hybrid Types. However, make sure you understand what type of hybrid you’re buying. Some hybrids are designed not to save gas, but to increase performance. For example, there are sports autos that take the gas engine from another model and add an electric motor to increase power. This design uses less gas than an auto with a bigger gas engine, but could actually use more gas overall than the same auto without the electric motor. A 2008 Lexus GS 450h gets an EPA estimated 23 MPG combined, while the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid gets an EPA rated 32 MPG. Buying a hybrid doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get better mileage than a big SUV does.
Discounts. You could be eligible for discounts if you buy a hybrid. Although their numbers are dropping quickly, some hybrid models may qualify for a federal tax incentive. In addition, many states offer tax incentives, parking incentives, and other toll or driving incentives. When you add these savings into the amount you can save in gas, suddenly a hybrid auto doesn’t seem as expensive.
Auto Insurance. Another great savings opportunity could be a discount on your auto insurance rate. Some companies have started to feature discounts of up to 10% for hybrid auto insurance rates, although it depends on the type of hybrid. You’ll need to shop around and compare auto insurance rates from different companies to see who has the best rate. If you need help finding your best cheap online auto insurance rate, you can use our online auto insurance quotes tool.
Auto Insurance for Pimped Out Rides
With the popularity of custom car TV shows such as "Pimp My Ride," personalized cars are hotter than ever. Accessories have come a long way from simple paint jobs and fuzzy dice. Today, drivers want their cars to stand out from the crowd, and to express their personality and style. As a result, car owners are adding chrome rims and grills, customized murals, spinners, pipes, LCD monitors, DVD players, expensive stereo systems, ground effects, and hydraulics.
But what is the cost to insure these hot new accessories? And do you know if your auto insurance company will cover these often-expensive enhancements?
If you’re thinking of improving your car, these are some very important questions to ask! Modifying your car can be a huge investment, and you don’t want to find out after the fact that your vehicle is not covered.
Ask first, change your car later
The best course of action is to consult your insurance company before you start modifying your car. This will help you find out what your auto insurance company does and doesn’t cover, if they are willing to insure your new car, and the total cost of keeping your customized auto covered.
Most insurance companies will ask if your car has “substantial customization” that you would like to insure at an additional cost. If so, you can add an endorsement to your comprehensive and collision coverage for custom parts and equipment. An endorsement is a change to your auto insurance policy, and it can extend coverage to include your modifications.
Check the amount covered under your endorsement, because it can vary for different companies. If your new parts cost more than the covered cost, you may want to consider shopping around to explore your coverage options. Keep in mind that standard insurance companies insure the actual value of the parts, meaning that they will pay you what the parts are worth, not what it costs to replace them.
Safety is key
Always make sure that your parts are installed safely by a knowledgeable professional. Many drivers attempt to do the work themselves. As a result, parts could be installed improperly.
Your best bet is to have a professional do the work for you. It will save you a lot of money in the long run, in addition to keeping you safe.
Even if you don’t have a custom car, you can still get free car insurance rate quotes from multiple companies by filling out a single application. If you do have a custom car, most companies will cover you. Just make sure to select “Yes” for the question about substantial customization in the vehicle information section of the application.
8 Things You Should Know About Auto Insurance
Dealing with the ins and outs of auto insurance can be as tricky and confusing as trying to untie the Gordian knot. Although we can`t help you with the knotty Gordian problem, the following recommendations could help you figure out some of the more complicated points of auto insurance.
1) Determine appropriate coverage.
Help control the price you pay, just ask American Insurance Association executive Dave Snyder. For example, Snyder notes that half of your auto insurance bill covers liability and "that has to do with how you are going to use the vehicle, such as for commuting to work and your driving record. If you`ve got a clean driving record, you figure to pay less for insurance than you would if you had a speeding ticket on your record. You can control the other half of your premium which covers damage or loss to your vehicle, comprehensive and collision coverage."
2) Shop around for insurance.
"In most states," Snyder reports, "there are hundreds of insurers competing for business, so it`s possible to save hundreds of dollars by obtaining quotes from different auto insurance providers." Picking up on Snyder`s theme is his AIA colleague, Nicole Mahrt. Mahrt urges you to work with your insurance provider to get more than one quote. "It pays you to shop around, especially if you feel you`ve been paying too much."
3) Look for insurance discounts.
"Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them, for example auto and home insurance," confirms John Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines for Selective Insurance, in Branchville, N.J. More cost-saving suggestions from Marchioni: "Ask about discounts for air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices."
4) Consider taking a higher deductible.
"You could lower your insurance bill by increasing your deductible," Mahrt says. "But just make sure you can pay the higher deductible if you file a claim."
5) Look into "stacking" coverages if you file an insurance claim.
Insurance trade group officer Daniel Kummer explains that stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages means "you can collect from more than one of your auto insurance policies. Most states prohibit this practice, but there are about 19 states that either allow stacking or don't address the issue either through legislation or litigation," according to Kummer, director of personal insurance for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. "Be sure to check your auto insurance contract to see if it's allowed. "Be advised that you`ll likely pay a higher insurance premium if you have stacked coverage. "It could be 10% to 30% more depending on the litigious nature of the state in which you reside," says Kummer.
6) Check with your insurance provider BEFORE buying a car.
"Your premium is based in part on the car`s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its safety record and the likelihood of theft," answers Selective`s John Marchioni. Remember to avoid shopping by price alone. "You want an agent and a company that answer your questions and handle claims fairly and efficiently," emphasizes Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines for Selective Insurance.
7) Notify your auto insurance company as soon as you change companies.
"Be sure to cancel your old policy," suggests PCI`s Dan Kummer. "Do it the same day, but don`t cancel your old policy until you`ve lined up a new contract. That`s important because some states like New York will fine you for the number of days you go without insurance." One last thought from Kummer on the subject: "Most auto insurers specify in your contract that you can terminate your policy any time you want by informing your company in writing about the date you wish that coverage be terminated or you can do that over the phone.
8) Pick the insurance payment option that best fits your budget.
"Generally, most companies will give you the ability to pay over time, but that comes at a price," says Kummer. "Your payment could increase a few dollars each time you pay by installment. Insurers can accept payments monthly, quarterly, or every six months, what ever is most convenient for you. Remember, though, that the more you break down your payments, the more the cost adds up."
1) Determine appropriate coverage.
Help control the price you pay, just ask American Insurance Association executive Dave Snyder. For example, Snyder notes that half of your auto insurance bill covers liability and "that has to do with how you are going to use the vehicle, such as for commuting to work and your driving record. If you`ve got a clean driving record, you figure to pay less for insurance than you would if you had a speeding ticket on your record. You can control the other half of your premium which covers damage or loss to your vehicle, comprehensive and collision coverage."
2) Shop around for insurance.
"In most states," Snyder reports, "there are hundreds of insurers competing for business, so it`s possible to save hundreds of dollars by obtaining quotes from different auto insurance providers." Picking up on Snyder`s theme is his AIA colleague, Nicole Mahrt. Mahrt urges you to work with your insurance provider to get more than one quote. "It pays you to shop around, especially if you feel you`ve been paying too much."
3) Look for insurance discounts.
"Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them, for example auto and home insurance," confirms John Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines for Selective Insurance, in Branchville, N.J. More cost-saving suggestions from Marchioni: "Ask about discounts for air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices."
4) Consider taking a higher deductible.
"You could lower your insurance bill by increasing your deductible," Mahrt says. "But just make sure you can pay the higher deductible if you file a claim."
5) Look into "stacking" coverages if you file an insurance claim.
Insurance trade group officer Daniel Kummer explains that stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages means "you can collect from more than one of your auto insurance policies. Most states prohibit this practice, but there are about 19 states that either allow stacking or don't address the issue either through legislation or litigation," according to Kummer, director of personal insurance for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. "Be sure to check your auto insurance contract to see if it's allowed. "Be advised that you`ll likely pay a higher insurance premium if you have stacked coverage. "It could be 10% to 30% more depending on the litigious nature of the state in which you reside," says Kummer.
6) Check with your insurance provider BEFORE buying a car.
"Your premium is based in part on the car`s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its safety record and the likelihood of theft," answers Selective`s John Marchioni. Remember to avoid shopping by price alone. "You want an agent and a company that answer your questions and handle claims fairly and efficiently," emphasizes Marchioni, senior vice president of Personal Lines for Selective Insurance.
7) Notify your auto insurance company as soon as you change companies.
"Be sure to cancel your old policy," suggests PCI`s Dan Kummer. "Do it the same day, but don`t cancel your old policy until you`ve lined up a new contract. That`s important because some states like New York will fine you for the number of days you go without insurance." One last thought from Kummer on the subject: "Most auto insurers specify in your contract that you can terminate your policy any time you want by informing your company in writing about the date you wish that coverage be terminated or you can do that over the phone.
8) Pick the insurance payment option that best fits your budget.
"Generally, most companies will give you the ability to pay over time, but that comes at a price," says Kummer. "Your payment could increase a few dollars each time you pay by installment. Insurers can accept payments monthly, quarterly, or every six months, what ever is most convenient for you. Remember, though, that the more you break down your payments, the more the cost adds up."
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