4 Things to Consider When Choosing New Auto Insurance
Unless you live in New Hampshire, you are required to purchase some type of liability insurance for your vehicle. And even as a New Hampshire resident, you can expect to pay a large fee if you want to drive around without insurance—so you may find that investing in a policy saves you money at the end of the year. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a new policy and a company to purchase it from.
Combination Opportunities
When comparing auto-insurance policies to one another, find out which will allow you to combine other types of insurance with it in exchange for a discount of some kind. Many insurance options can be combined with your homeowner's insurance, travel insurance, and other types of policies you may currently hold, and they'll provide you with a discount for combining your policies that grows with every policy you add to your account.
But the types of policies that can be combined and the savings you can take advantage of will vary from company to company. So, get a list of insurance types that each company you are considering buying from offers along with corresponding combination discounts. This way you can compare the information side by side and figure out which company is likely to save you the most money and provide you with the most convenience as time goes on.
Claim Timelines
It's also important to consider how long it will take for a claim to be processed from beginning to end before choosing which insurance policy to invest in. Some companies have specific policies and timelines they use to keep waiting times to a minimum while others are vague about how long it can take for a claim to be processed once you file it. Focus on comparing companies that have claim policies in writing that pertain to the processing timeline so you have a clear idea of what to expect in the future if you get into an accident or must file a claim for something like theft. While you're at it, find out what the claim process is for each company you consider buying a policy from.
Service Contact Options
When it comes to customer service, you may need to contact your insurance company for several reasons throughout the years. Whether it's to inquire about a bill, request some information about your policy, file a claim, or learn about a new opportunity you were told about, it's helpful to know beforehand how your needs will be met before choosing a policy and company to purchase it from.
Can you make contact through email, phone, and fax? Is instant online messaging available for general questions? Is a forum available for use to gather information and address concerns with fellow customers? Find out what types of customer service contact and support options each company offers before even delving into the comparison of policies.
Personal-Injury Support
If you end up having to file a personal-injury claim after being hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault, how will your new policy cover you, and what type of support can you expect from the company that sells you the policy? Some policies may include a free vehicle rental you can use after filing a personal-injury claim, and other policies might cover a certain percentage of any rentals and other travel costs until your personal vehicle is repaired or replaced. Consider how you'll get around if you are in an accident and don't have access to your vehicle for a period, and then look for policies that provide you with the best benefits for your specific needs.
These are just a few of the important things to consider when choosing an insurance policy and a company to buy it from. Add these considerations to a list of your own concerns, and use the list as an outline when comparing your options. Talk to a company such as Matlack & Company to learn more.
Share