When and How to Compare Car Insurance Rates
When done right, comparing car insurance rates can be an incredibly effective tool for saving you money while also ensuring you have adequate coverage in place. But when and how do you compare car insurance rates? Like most things, there’s a right time and a right way to do this. So, let’s go over both of these questions today.
When is the right time to compare car insurance rates?
Anytime you’re thinking of changing your car insurance policy or getting your first car insurance policy is a good time to compare rates!
Some of the situations we often have clients coming to us from include:
- When they’re purchasing a new car
- When they’re adding a new driver (a teenage child, for example) to their policy
- They were married or divorced
- They move
- They buy a house
- They get a DUI or another violation
- They’re unhappy with their current car insurance
- Their credit score has changed
- They buy a house
- They’ve been in an accident
Now that we know some of the situations when it’s wise to shop for car insurance, here’s how to do it.
How do I compare car insurance rates and companies?
Before you start comparing car insurance rates, you need to know how much coverage you need and what you can afford. This way, you’ll know the right option when you see it!
From there, you can compare the exact same coverage level between multiple companies and see what it would cost at each. Comparing at least 3 car insurance rates is recommended because this gives you a better idea of the current market than just one or two companies.
Another component of comparing car insurance rates is to look into customer satisfaction and claims handling steps. Look into things like reviews and ratings to get an idea of their other clients’ experiences. You should also ask about how a specific company handles claims. For example, some companies pay auto shops directly for repairs, while others may require you to pay up front before you’re reimbursed.
Last but not least, remember not to cancel your existing coverage until your new policy is in place!