Tips to Switch Car Insurance Agencies
Like any insurance in time, policies need updating and possibly even changed. Younger drivers are looking for the lowest possible payment per month while older drivers are looking for the best company and coverage to protect their financial assets. As situations change in your life, your insurance will too. While most insurance professionals advise against changing companies too often, it’s important to find a policy that best fits your needs. Lower premiums, more coverage, and additional discounts you may have not had access to before are just a few ways of attracting someone to switch their car insurance to a new company.
When To Switch
While one can change their insurance at any time, there are certain situations where we have found people look to switch most often:
Moving to a new location
Adding a driver or car
Experiencing a life event like getting married, buying a house, or having a child
Approaching the renewal date, making it a convenient time to switch
If you’re looking to switch insurance companies and don’t know where to start, let’s explore how to get started.
Consider Your Options
Too little coverage can leave you in a financial rut when it comes to an accident. Too much coverage can cause you to be overspending. If you think you might be paying too much, it’s time to consider your options.
Understanding which type of car insurance you need based on your vehicle is the first step to switching insurance. Just remember, the more coverage you add, the more money you’re going to spend.
Compare Quotes from Multiple Carriers
While one carrier may seem to have exactly what you’re looking for, there could always be another out there that can offer you an even better option. Be sure to get quotes for the same amount of coverage from each carrier you look into. The best part about working with an agency is that they work with multiple carriers, making an agency a one-stop shop to compare coverages and premiums.
Remember when you are requesting quotes companies will need basic information like the name, birth date, and driver’s license number for all drivers in your household. Keep the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of all your vehicles handy and possibly even the dates and paperwork of traffic tickets and accidents. Lastly, don’t be shy, ask about discounts! From good grades to your age, qualifying for discounts will help you find cheaper coverage.
Research New Companies
Before purchasing your policy, do all the research you can on the new company you’re seeking insurance from. Customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction, ratings, and customer service scores are all points to pay attention to. Here is a list of trusted resources that hold thorough information about different insurance companies:
Double Check Your Old Policy is Canceled
You can’t assume just because you stop paying that your old policy will disappear. If you sign up for automatic payments or auto-renewal, the provider could turn you in to the credit bureau for nonpayment. There are a couple of steps you need to take to make sure your old policy is terminated:
Call the existing company and let them know you would like to terminate your policy.
Log in to the online portal and be sure to cancel the auto-payments.
Ask your carrier to confirm the cancellation in writing to have proof the policy has been terminated.
Insurance isn’t the cheapest purchase in the world, we don’t want you to be paying double time! However, every company has its own cancellation policy so be sure to communicate with them and double-check all the necessary actions have been taken to part ways.
Print Out Updated Car Insurance ID
Once you have chosen your new carrier and set up your new policy, throw away your old car insurance ID and print out the new one to have handy in your vehicle. In the unfortunate event that you get pulled over or into an accident, you will need proof of your new insurance.
Looking into new insurance isn’t at the top of everyone’s to-do list, but you would be surprised how much you could be saving by switching your plan to a new company. At Rumbaugh, we partner with many carriers to give our clients the best options at the best price. Contact us today for a quote!