Guest Post: Written and contributed by Brad Taylor, Comparion Lead Insurance Agent
Auto insurance is not only a legal requirement to operate a vehicle in Arizona, it’s essential to protect you and your vehicle in case of an accident or theft. But, buying auto insurance can be overwhelming and in many cases annoying. Many people end up making mistakes that cost them thousands of dollars in the long run just to save them a couple dollars monthly.
The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Auto Insurance
1. Not shopping the smaller carriers that don’t advertise in traditional ways
One of the most common mistakes people make is sticking with the same 4 or 5 insurance carriers they see on TV. As an auto insurance broker, I have access to companies you may not have heard of but are fantastic to work with. Some of the smaller name carriers have great financial strength but opt not to spend their marketing dollars on advertising to the direct public. These carriers often offer the best rates and customer service.
2. Choosing the wrong coverage level
Another mistake people commonly make is choosing the wrong coverage level. In order to save money, some drivers opt for the minimum coverage required by law. It should be noted, however, that these liability levels are rarely sufficient to cover the actual costs of an accident. Most people don’t realize that increasing a few of these coverage levels only costs another $1.00 per month but can save you from a lien against your home or perhaps a garnishment against your paycheck.
3. Not disclosing all relevant information to the auto insurance carrier
When applying for auto insurance, it’s crucial to disclose all drivers that live in your home. Even if they don’t drive your vehicles often, if they live in the same home and borrow your vehicle, there may not be coverage should they experience an accident. This can leave you extremely exposed to financial loss for both your vehicle and liability.
4. Neglecting to read policy details and ask questions before purchasing
We all hate reading boring legal documents. However, reading your insurance coverages prior to signing your policy is critical, especially if you are purchasing from an agent you don’t know. Often times the representative on the other end of the phone will leave off a coverage like glass that you assumed was included in the pricing. Prior to signing anything, make sure you understand exactly what you are buying.
5. Ignoring potential auto insurance discounts
Many auto insurance companies offer discounts such as domestic partnership discount, safe driving habits or past military experience. These discounts add up quickly if you know what to ask for. When asking for a quote, make sure to ask what discounts are available to be sure you aren’t missing any. A good agent will ask qualifying questions to be sure they are obtaining the best rate.
Rest Easy with an Auto Insurance Agent on Your Side
Most of us are not a fan of switching home or auto insurance companies. However, having an agent that can shop on your behalf can really make the process a lot more pleasant.
Please feel free to reach out to me and my team with any questions you might have regarding your coverages. Even if we can’t help save you money with a new policy, we’ll be happy to show you inexpensive ways to improve your coverage and verify you are indeed purchasing the correct insurance.
