Understanding Insurance Claims

Four Questions To Ask Before Buying An Auto Insurance Policy

If you drive, you are required by law to carry auto insurance. But buying an auto insurance policy is more complicated than you might hope! Not all policies offer the same coverage, and some companies are easier to work with than others. If there is a specific policy you are considering purchasing, make sure you ask these questions before you officially sign up.

Who does the policy cover?

Obviously the policy needs to cover you as a driver, but it may or may not also cover friends or family members who you occasionally allow to drive your car. If the insurance agent specifies that your policy does not offer coverage for these other drivers, you can ask them to add these drivers as part-time drivers on your policy. You may have to pay a bit more, but it's worth your piece of mind when someone borrows your car.

Are you covered when driving for work?

If you ever drive for Uber or similar companies, you need to ensure your auto insurance policy covers you in these situations. The same applies if you deliver pizzas or otherwise use your car for work. Even if you have no plans of using your car for work purposes, it's worthwhile to ask this question so that if you situation changes in the future, you know whether driving for work is an option.

Are there any discounts available?

Most insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have taken safety courses, those enrolled in school, military members, and members of certain professional organizations. Ask your insurance agent if the price you are being offered is the best they can do, or whether there are any additional discounts you can pursue. You might have to enroll in a safety course, but the savings are worth the time!

How can you file a claim?

In the past, the only way to file a claim was to call your car insurance company. But thanks to technology, some companies now offer more convenient options, such as making a claim online or through a specialized app. Make sure you know what options your insurance company offers so that if you do have to make a claim against your policy, you can do so promptly.

After you get the answers to the questions above, you will be better able to decide if the policy is right for you. If it is not, ask the agent about other policies that may be better suited to your needs.

To learn more, reach out to a company like Crowel Agency, Inc.


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