Why You Need to Compare More Than Just Car Insurance Prices

When you’re comparing car insurance, it’s tempting to focus only on the prices. However, this can be a bad idea. You need to look at other aspects such as coverage or customer service. Before you make the decision to switch to a new company or stay with your current one, consider the following features. Look at Coverage What does each insurance company promise to cover in the policy? You want to look beyond minimum coverage for your state. When you examine your car insurance, think about how much coverage you actually need. For example, you may not need collision coverage for a car that’s older and paid off. Another item to consider is having coverage that includes a rental allowance. If your vehicle is in an accident, this feature can save you money while you’re renting another car. Compare Customer Service Whether you need to make a claim or simply have a question about your policy, customer service can make your life miserable while you wait on the phone for hours. Of course, you can use an app like LucyPhone to call you back automatically, but it’s still important to make sure you compare customer service reviews from actual users before deciding on an insurance company. Look for positive reviews that include how claims work. Consider visiting your state insurance commission’s website to check out the insurance company and see complaints. Look for Discounts If you love searching for coupons and have installed browser extensions to find deals, then you want to compare discounts at different car insurance companies. Some of them offer a variety of ways to save money. For example, if you’re part of a specific professional or alumni organization, then you may get a discount. Other common discounts include being a good student or combining your home and auto policies with the same company. You may also be able to save money by taking a driver training class. Some companies also help you save if you pay your entire bill upfront instead of making smaller payments over time. Make sure you ask about potential discounts because it’s not always easy to find them. Compare Payment Options Before you make a decision, look at the payment options each company offers. Some make it easier to pay online or with your phone. Others are happy to mail you a statement, and bill the old-fashioned way. Whichever method you prefer, make sure the insurance company has it, and it’s convenient to use. Beware of extra fees for paying online or for making installments. Look at the Company Overall It’s rare, but sometimes car insurance companies have financial woes that end up hurting customers in the form of slower claims processing or more fees. Check out the company’s fiscal health overall by looking at ratings on J.D. Power and Associates. Another good source to check is A.M. Best. When you need car insurance, consider all the factors in addition to price. You need good coverage, customer service, discounts, convenient payments and a financially strong company.