Insurance rates often creep up as time goes by. This can be for a number of reasons but is frustrating no matter what the reason is. I have been with my insurance provider for about two years now and have had no tickets, accidents or negative changes to my credit. But every six months my rate goes up about $5 a month. Follow these five steps to make sure you are getting the best insurance rates available.
1. Call your agent. Often the temptation is to go straight to the internet and begin searching other companies rates. This may be helpful but is often unnecessary. A quick call to your insurance agent can mean reduced rates within minutes. Ask your agent if this is the best rate for your needs. You insurance agent can do some quick checks and find ways to save without lowering your coverage. If your agent says that they are unable to find you a lower rate simply inform them that you are looking at other insurance providers. This can "light a fire" with your agent and, at the risk of losing your business, encourage the agent to spend a few minutes to find you a better rate. 2. Go to the internet. With just a bit of information you can receive accurate quotes from great insurance companies. In order to get a rate quote you often just need to provide your zip code and answer a few questions about your driving history. Remember that the key to an accurate quote is accurate information on your part. I you know you had a moving violation last month, then say so. Before you are actually insured a thorough check will be done and any discrepancies will be found and will result in higher rates and sometimes loss of coverage. 3. Talk to your friends about their insurance coverage. One of the best ways to learn about other insurance rates is to talk to your friends about how they like their insurance provider. They may have a good friend at an insurance company that gets them a screaming deal and you may be able to tap into this resource. Even if your friend doesn't have an in with an insurance agent they will have an opinions about the company they insure their cars with. If you value their opinion enough to be your friend you will be able to get some great information about insurance rates. 4. What's most important to you? Customer service, low deductible, proximity of the insurance agency... If value customer service and want to be able to sit down with an agent, you may not get the same rate as your neighbor who uses only online insurance providers. However, if a low deductible is the most important thing to you, then your rate will certainly not be the same as someone with a $750 deductible. Decide what's important to you first and then know the differences this could mean when it comes to insurance rates. 5. Know your budget. You may have a great insurance rate but it can still be out of your budget. It doesn't matter how good of a rate you have if it is out of your budget. I have a friend who owns a 2005 VW Jetta. This should be a relatively inexpensive car to insure but because of all of the upgrades to the vehicle his insurance is over $300 a month. When he bought the car he could afford the insurance but now, because he doesn't know his budget he is "car poor".
Hope this is helpful! Happy insurance hunting!
Florida Auto Insurance
