| How do I know if I'm receiving a good low rate | | | | be applied to the rate and it's not uncommon for |
| for my auto insurance? | | | | one or more discounts to be overlooked. Ask |
| Prices for car insurance can vary greatly from | | | | again! |
| one car insurance company to another. The only | | | | Does my spouse have to be on my policy or can |
| way to know for sure you're getting a "good | | | | they get their own? |
| deal" is to compare prices (for the same | | | | Your marital status and information about your |
| coverage options) from a variety of auto | | | | spouse will have to be disclosed on the insurance |
| insurance companies. | | | | application. You can exclude your spouse and their |
| When does coverage begin on a new car | | | | vehicle from your policy and not pay for that |
| insurance policy? | | | | coverage. Depending on the insurance company a |
| Coverage for a new auto insurance policy can | | | | surcharge may apply for the exclusion. |
| begin as soon as the application is completed and | | | | Can I make monthly payments on a new car |
| the initial payment made. A new policy can also | | | | insurance policy? |
| have a future effective date to coincide with the | | | | Yes. Car insurance companies will offer you a |
| expiration of an existing policy. | | | | discount if you pay your policy in full. If you pay |
| What options should be considered when | | | | monthly and utilize electronic funds transfer as the |
| purchasing a new policy? | | | | method of payment a discount may apply as well. |
| All options should be explained to you during the | | | | What method of payment can I use for a new |
| quoting process so that you can make an | | | | car insurance policy? |
| informed decision regarding all available options. | | | | The various methods for payment are: Check, |
| Select those options that are important to you | | | | credit card, debit card, electronic funds transfer, |
| and fit your budget. | | | | and cash. Not all companies accept every method |
| When is the right time to shop for new car | | | | of payment or every credit card. A cash |
| insurance? | | | | payment is only possible at a local insurance office |
| Often consumers will shop for new insurance | | | | in person. |
| when they receive a renewal notice from their | | | | If I cancel my policy for any reason do I get my |
| existing policy. Also, when a change is made that | | | | initial payment back? |
| has a large impact on price, like adding a youthful | | | | If insurance coverage was extended to you for |
| operator, people will shop. However, anytime can | | | | any length of time, even just one day, then only |
| be a good time to shop and potentially save | | | | the unused portion of the initial payment will be |
| money on your car insurance. | | | | returned. |
| What should I do first to compare rates with | | | | If I buy a new policy and someone else drives |
| other companies? | | | | my car will I be covered? |
| The first thing to do is review your existing policy. | | | | All household residents and/or regular operators |
| Pay close attention to coverage's, limits, and | | | | of the vehicle must be disclosed on the insurance |
| deductibles. Receive quotes from different | | | | application. If a friend or neighbor borrows your |
| companies for the same or similar policy. This | | | | car one time or on a rare occasion and they are |
| way you'll be comparing "apples to apples". | | | | not listed on the application you have coverage. |
| How do I cancel my current policy if I switch to | | | | What does credit have to do with my insurance |
| another company? | | | | rate? |
| Canceling your existing policy mid-term will require | | | | Most insurance companies have a proprietary |
| a signed request from you. Contact your | | | | method for assigning an insurance score to each |
| company or agent for the exact procedure you | | | | customer. The insurance score is one of many |
| need to follow. If you switch at the expiration of | | | | characteristics used to place customers in |
| your existing policy a signed request is not | | | | different tiers or rankings which have different |
| necessary. | | | | prices. Information from credit bureaus helps |
| Can a cancellation refund from my current | | | | determine insurance score. |
| company be applied to my new policy with a | | | | Why do I pay more when mailing an insurance |
| different company? | | | | payment instead of using electronic funds |
| No. To begin your new policy the initial premium | | | | transfer? |
| must be paid. A cancellation refund for the unused | | | | The savings an insurance company realizes by not |
| portion of your prior insurance will be mailed | | | | preparing a paper bill and mailing it is passed on to |
| directly to you. | | | | the customer. Also, insurance companies |
| How do I know if I'm getting all the discounts I | | | | historically have better retention (maintaining policy |
| qualify for? | | | | at renewal) when the electronic funds transfer |
| Ask the insurance agent or company your dealing | | | | method of payment is used creating a powerful |
| with about all the available discounts. Ask again. | | | | motivator for the company to discount this |
| There are numerous available discounts that can | | | | method of payment. |