Car Insurance Quote Comparison – Questions With Answers

How do I know if I’m receiving a good low rate for my auto insurance?
Prices for car insurance can vary greatly from one car insurance company to another. The only way to know for sure you’re getting a “good deal” is to compare prices (for the same coverage options) from a variety of auto insurance companies.

When does coverage begin on a new car insurance policy?
Coverage for a new auto insurance policy can begin as soon as the application is completed and the initial payment made. A new policy can also have a future effective date to coincide with the expiration of an existing policy.

What options should be considered when purchasing a new policy?
All options should be explained to you during the quoting process so that you can make an informed decision regarding all available options. Select those options that are important to you and fit your budget.

When is the right time to shop for new car insurance?
Often consumers will shop for new insurance when they receive a renewal notice from their existing policy. Also, when a change is made that has a large impact on price, like adding a youthful operator, people will shop. However, anytime can be a good time to shop and potentially save money on your car insurance.

What should I do first to compare rates with other companies?
The first thing to do is review your existing policy. Pay close attention to coverage’s, limits, and deductibles. Receive quotes from different companies for the same or similar policy. This way you’ll be comparing “apples to apples”.

How do I cancel my current policy if I switch to another company?
Canceling your existing policy mid-term will require a signed request from you.

Contact your company or agent for the exact procedure you need to follow. If you switch at the expiration of your existing policy a signed request is not necessary.

Can a cancellation refund from my current company be applied to my new policy with a different company?
No. To begin your new policy the initial premium must be paid. A cancellation refund for the unused portion of your prior insurance will be mailed directly to you.

How do I know if I’m getting all the discounts I qualify for?
Ask the insurance agent or company your dealing with about all the available discounts. Ask again. There are numerous available discounts that can be applied to the rate and it’s not uncommon for one or more discounts to be overlooked. Ask again!

Does my spouse have to be on my policy or can they get their own?
Your marital status and information about your spouse will have to be disclosed on the insurance application. You can exclude your spouse and their vehicle from your policy and not pay for that coverage. Depending on the insurance company a surcharge may apply for the exclusion.

Can I make monthly payments on a new car insurance policy?
Yes. Car insurance companies will offer you a discount if you pay your policy in full. If you pay monthly and utilize electronic funds transfer as the method of payment a discount may apply as well.

What method of payment can I use for a new car insurance policy?
The various methods for payment are: Check, credit card, debit card, electronic funds transfer, and cash. Not all companies accept every method of payment or every credit card. A cash payment is only possible at a local insurance office in person.

If I cancel my policy for any reason do I get my initial payment back?
If insurance coverage was extended to you for any length of time, even just one day, then only the unused portion of the initial payment will be returned.

If I buy a new policy and someone else drives my car will I be covered?
All household residents and/or regular operators of the vehicle must be disclosed on the insurance application. If a friend or neighbor borrows your car one time or on a rare occasion and they are not listed on the application you have coverage.

What does credit have to do with my insurance rate?
Most insurance companies have a proprietary method for assigning an insurance score to each customer. The insurance score is one of many characteristics used to place customers in different tiers or rankings which have different prices. Information from credit bureaus helps determine insurance score.

Why do I pay more when mailing an insurance payment instead of using electronic funds transfer?
The savings an insurance company realizes by not preparing a paper bill and mailing it is passed on to the customer. Also, insurance companies historically have better retention (maintaining policy at renewal) when the electronic funds transfer method of payment is used creating a powerful motivator for the company to discount this method of payment.

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