If you own a driver’s license chances are you are going to be driving a vehicle at some point. It means that you are going to need to buy insurance. It is one of the most important commodities that you will have to purchase as a driver. As such, care is needed as to who you choose to be your insurance provider.
Contrary to the belief that all insurance companies are the same insurance shopping is a must. There are several ways that you can go about this. A driver can look for an insurance broker to find the best insurance company for them. Drivers can take the time to compile a list of insurance companies and call them individually. Or, a driver can go online and ask for vehicle insurance quotes. Out of these three, the quickest and most effective would be on obtaining the insurance quotes.
Buying car insurance is different than buying other types of services or items. In those cases, you are the one that asked the majority of questions before you decide to purchase. With the insurance companies, it is the other way around. They will ask a series of questions. Based on the answers they will determine if they are going to take you on as a client. If they do, they will then set a specific amount for the insurance that you are buying. In a great number of cases, this is the end of the shopping experience for insurance. Drivers will now get insurance with the specific company that has taken them on. But if one wants to get the best from their insurance package, it should go a step further.
Once the insurance company has asked their questions, it’s now your turn. It is important to realize that every client is different. When it comes to the insurance companies. So you must realize that your insurance needs are unique as well. To ask questions that are pertinent to your needs. It is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best insurance coverage for you at the best price.
Identify Your Needs
You need to take a look at your driving needs carefully. It is important that you know what your driving situation is. For example, if you are going to be the only one using your vehicle. Or if it’s going to be a shared vehicle. Will the vehicle will be used for continuous driving? Or is it only used on occasion? These are a few of the questions that your insurance company may ask you.
Where insurance differs is based on the individual and their circumstances.
General Questions
Quite often the first question that most people ask and sometimes the only one is how much is it going to cost? There are a few other questions that are more important than this one just in general.
- What is the minimal amount of insurance that I must have?
- What kind of insurance packages do you offer?
- Which of these insurance packages are best for me and why?
- Collision coverage – what is it?
- What is a liability or third-party coverage?
- Comprehensive coverage – what is it and do I need it?
- What is a deductible?
The answer to these general questions is going to educate you. They are going to inform you as to what the insurance company has to offer. Plus the answers are going to give accurate information as to the different types of coverage. They now prepare you for the next set of questions. They will be more personalized based on your specific needs. The following are questions according to common circumstances.
A New Driver
Young drivers are faced with high premiums. It is because they have no driving experience. Some will opt to get their insurance. Others will consider being insured under their parent’s insurance. Pertinent questions to ask are;
- Am I better to get my Insurance?
- What are the pros and cons are being insured under my parents?
- Does the Insurance Company offer good student discounts?
- Are there reduced premiums for students who have completed driver education?
An individual Who Will Be the Only Driver
There are many who enjoy a single lifestyle. Some like to invest in sports type vehicles. For them, there are some additional questions that may be important to them.
- How much will my deductible be?
- Does my specific make and model of car increase my insurance premiums?
- Am I allowed to loan my vehicle to a friend?
- How does the area I live in effect my insurance rates?
A Driver who Also Will have an Occasional Driver
Quite often young families have one car. One individual will drive the vehicle to work for example. The other one will drive the vehicle on occasion.
- Do I need to name the secondary driver?
- Will how much they drive the vehicle to have an effect on the insurance?
- Does my driving the car back and forth to work affect the cost?
A Retiree Who Drives for Pleasure
When individuals retire, they most often don’t drive their vehicles as much. They should ask their insurance company a few questions when their driving circumstances change.
- Are there reduced premiums for a specific age?
- Are there any discounts for a long history of clean driving?
- You don’t drive as often so is there better rates for reduced mileage?
A Driver Who Own Other Vehicles
A lot of people who are looking for insurance also have other types of vehicles. They may also have a motorcycle, or perhaps a second car.
- Are there reduced rates for insuring more than one vehicle?
- Is there any bundle packages for vehicle and home or renters insurance?
The Final Questions
Once a driver has all the answers according to their needs there are some final questions.
- Based on your specific circumstances, does the Insurance Company have any extra discounts you qualify for?
- What do I do if I have to make a claim?
- How fast are claims paid out?
- What are the premium payment options?
Now a driver can get to the final question. How much is it going to cost?
About the Author: Ashley Miller
