Do you have an office in which we can meet in person?
Today, it seems likely that much of its business is conducted online or by phone. But when you are discussing complicated issues such as insurance, which can be very useful to effectively deliver an agent and go over things in person. Sometimes just seeing things written out makes them easier to understand. People who meet her agent in person often receive better customer service, too, so ask potential agents if they have a physical office where you can meet. When you're there, tell him or her to receive a review of annual personal insurance. A real agent quality automatically offer this service, but any good agent should be willing to do so if requested. Annual reviews help ensure that you are not paying for coverage is no longer necessary, and always carry the coverage you need.
Do you have claims service 24 hours?
Getting into a car accident is stressful, even if no one is injured. Do not put yourself in a position to be even more stressed due to accident occurs on a Saturday night, but your insurance company will not open for business until Monday morning. A lot of insurance companies now offer 24/7 claim reporting, both by phone (toll free) and online, so be sure to select one that does.
She also asked whether there are special requirements to file a claim. In general, only you have to give your name and address, the name and address of any person injured in the accident or who witnessed it, and general information about the nature of the loss or claim. It also helps to have your policy number handy.
What are my payment options?
Yes, you can pay for car insurance. But it would be much easier on your budget if you could pay the premium in monthly installments instead of an annual lump sum. Or maybe quarterly payments are ideal. Ask your agent about all possible payment options. Most insurers offer premium payment options at least a year and half. Those that offer more frequent payment options usually add a surcharge of several dollar or, conversely, offer discounts to those who pay the annual bill at a time. Be sure to ask about your options if you know you will be problematic to pay annually [source: Direct Cars].
Do you offer discounts?
Almost every insurer offers a number of discounts, but does not compromise the agent automatically give you qualify. Often you have to ask about what discounts offered by the company, then ask that you are eligible to apply to your account. Discounts (sometimes called credits) are commonly given to have certain safety features in your car, such as a car alarm or air bags; by having a clean driving record; to have a "good student" (usually a child up to age 23 or 25 who earn at least a B average in school); and for the purchase of other types of insurance from the same company, usually homeowners and umbrella insurance. In addition, some companies will give discounts for regular things like parking your car in a garage, owning an ecological hybrid vehicle, which belongs to a recognized professional organization, and even to graduate from a specific college. But again, to get the savings, you have to ask [source: Zeman].
What will my deductible?
If you are involved in an auto accident and make a claim, it is likely to pay a certain amount of money - your deductible - before your insurance company will pay the rest of the bill. Common deductibles are $ 0, $ 100, $ 500, $ 750, $ 1,000 and $ 1,500 [source: car insurance rates]. You can reduce your premium (annual or semi-annual insurance payment) by increasing your deductible. Carry a higher deductible in exchange for a lower insurance premium can be a wise move, because you can never get in a car accident. However, just make sure you do not set your deductible so high that if you are in an accident, can not afford to pay for it - because if you can not pay the deductible, not your vehicle repaired.
What is my risk assessment?
The insurance rate is offered is based on several factors including the amount of a "risk" they pose to the company - that is, how likely is that you'll be making a claim. The more of a risk you represent, the higher your rate will be. Companies use data such as age, sex, record, criminal record, credit rating and driving the living to determine your risk. Are you elderly or adolescent (known for having a lot of fender benders groups)? You will pay more. I received a lot of violations? Idem. Living amid a high-crime neighborhood where car thefts in particular are the order? Out of luck again. Shop around to see which insurance company that offers the most favorable rate [source: Direct Cars].
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