Who can know what the future holds? Ancient peoples relied on oracles. We rely on statistical probabilities and actuarial tables. Decisions on insurance coverage are important in our lives. Insurance provides peace of mind against the unexpected. But if a catastrophe happens, insurance may save our way of life. Here are some tips to help you make decisions about insurance.
Create and maintain a detailed journal of every event that occurs leading up to and throughout the duration of your insurance claim. This will assist you if there are discrepancies throughout the process. This is the only way that at least you can ensure that you keep your facts straight. Take down everyone’s name and number that you speak with and a brief summary of the interaction.
Steps to Follow
Repeat after me: you must always read the fine print when signing an insurance policy. In an insurance transaction, you typically will have to sign a large number of papers containing thousands of words in tiny print. You need to read – and understand – these forms before you sign any insurance policy. Do not allow the agent to blow through the forms and simply sign at the several places marked with an X. If you don’t understand the fine print, you will likely regret your purchase decision down the line.
Ask for quotes from several insurers and check online too. Be sure to include the same variables for accurate comparisons. You can choose to go with the lowest quote, assuming that the insurer has a good reputation for service and payment of claims, or you can bring the quotes to your present insurers to see if they will match the better rates.
Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is a great way to protect your belongings from theft or fire in your building. Your landlord’s insurance only replaces his property. All your property is not covered which can leave you with nothing when not insured. Getting insurance is easy and inexpensive for even higher amounts of coverage.
To get the best insurance rates, research and comparison shopping are a must. Make sure that you are educated on insurance providers and what plan is best for your needs. Arm one’s self with as much knowledge as possible so that one can make an intelligent decision when one is ready to purchase insurance.
Consultation
Before going it alone to buy insurance, consider getting at least a consultation with an insurance professional. He or she can help advise you on factors that you may not have even considered or that are too technical for a layman to understand. An insurance professional will review your finances, risk areas, age and family status, to help you pick the right levels of coverage.
Make your insurance premium one of the first payments you make every month. Most polices have language written into them that a missed payment cancels your insurance coverage. This can be especially dangerous as your health or risk status may have changed since you first purchased your insurance. A lapse in coverage will end up meaning higher premium payments so make it a priority.
Marriage Insurance
If you’ve tied the knot, add your spouse to your insurance policy. Just like a teenager is charged more because they are considered a risk, being married is a sign of stability and you will generally see your rate go down. Make sure and check with both of your insurance companies to see who will offer the better deal.
Insurance companies
New insurance companies may come calling all the time. But before you make the leap, be sure to scruitinize the fine print carefully. What looks like a good deal on the surface may be the real thing. However, there may be many small but important differences between your current policy and the one you are considering (premiums, deductibles, coverage limits, etc.) So be sure you know what that next boat looks like before you jump ship.
Insurance broker
Before you choose an insurance policy, be sure to shop around so you know what your options are. There are many online services which can give you quotes from a number of different insurance companies, or you can hire a private insurance broker who can give you options and help you decide which is right for you.
Find an insurance broker who works with several major, reputable companies. These professionals, after reviewing your records, can compare different companies’ offers and can choose the best coverage for the best premium. Some of these brokers continue to shop around for you and switch your carrier when another company offers the same coverage for a more reasonable premium.
Insurance adjuster
When involved in an insurance claim, be sure to get as many quotes as possible on your own. This will ensure that you can stand your ground versus an insurance adjuster as well as ensure you are getting a fair quote. If there is a debate, be sure to calmly confront your adjuster and assume that they are not trying to cheat you.
Insurance agency
Maintain a respectable credit report in order to keep your insurance rates low. Your credit history can influence your premiums. High risk customers will have higher premiums.
Your state should have a regulatory agency that is charged with overseeing insurance companies that operate in the state. This agency will be an excellent source for information about any particular company or even general insurance information. States regulate insurance companies and how they run their businesses. They have paperwork on price hikes because the regulatory agency must be contacted to approve any changes in premiums beyond mandated levels. Look at public records by researching online.
Insurance auto
Look out for multi-insurance policy discounts. Sometimes insurance companies will offer customers a discount of 10% or more if they take out several contracts at the same time, for example home insurance, auto insurance and health insurance. So, when asking for insurance quotes from various insurance companies, be sure to ask them if they offer any discounts for taking out multiple policies so you have an option make decisions about insurance.
Now you have some tips to help guide you on your way to make decisions about insurance. Only you know your particular needs, and how much you can afford. But the accumulated wisdom of others on this subject can help you make the right choices for the security and peace of mind of you and your family.
