Considering General Insurance Coverage? Think about These Tips
Article by-Haley Amstrup
Insurance exists to protect you or an investment; but how do you get the right coverage, and properly utilize it? Often times we pay premiums and get nothing in return! To know more about your policy, and your options, read on.
If you are moving, be sure to check with your moving company to see what kind of insurance they carry. Most moving companies just have a "per-pound" policy on all contents. This might be alright if you just have fairly ordinary, large furnishings; however, if you have very expensive furniture, artwork, lots of electronics or other items that may not weigh much but are valuable, you should ask your insurance agent about supplemental moving insurance.
When you make an insurance claim, explain every detail about the incident. Snap photos of the damage. Do not lie or make your damages worse than they are to get more money, you can get prosecuted.
If you receive your homeowner's insurance from a company that also sells health or auto insurance, consider combining your policies. Many companies offer bundled discounts, so if you combine policies you could save a considerable amount.
Use the internet to your advantage when doing research on what type of insurance to purchase. The internet has a wealth of resources on the pros and cons of different types of plans and great advice on what you should get at different points and times in your life. Use the information available so that you are as educated on the process as your agent.
Learn how different insurance sellers work so you can understand their selling methods. Commission-only planners and insurance agents only make money when you buy their products. Fee based planners charge you a fee for their assistance and receive a commission on the products you buy. A fee-only planner will charge you for their advice but they do not sell products directly.
If you are one of the millions of people who rent rather than own a home, investing in renter's insurance is a smart way to ensure that your personal possessions are covered in the event of fire, theft or other hazards, as well as to protect yourself from injury or property damage claims. Most renter's insurance covers the cash value of your possessions, taking depreciation into account, so make sure to upgrade to replacement cost if you want to be able to repurchase your items with no out-of-pocket expenses. Your policy should also include a personal liability clause to protect you from lawsuits if someone is injured in your home or the property is damaged because of your negligence. Talk with an insurance agent to find out all the specifics of a policy before making a choice.
If you are one of the millions of people who rent rather than own a home, investing in renter's insurance is a smart way to ensure that your personal possessions are covered in the event of fire, theft or other hazards, as well as to protect yourself from injury or property damage claims. Most renter's insurance covers the cash value of your possessions, taking depreciation into account, so make sure to upgrade to replacement cost if you want to be able to repurchase your items with no out-of-pocket expenses. Your policy should also include a personal liability clause to protect you from lawsuits if someone is injured in your home or the property is damaged because of your negligence. Talk with an insurance agent to find out all the specifics of a policy before making a choice.
It may sound silly but some people even invest in pet insurance! I, as an owner of two dogs, also recommenced it. You simply never know what could happen to your dogs, and they are like members of your family. This protects you in the case of a serious health condition that requires regular treatment. For example I had an epileptic dog growing up and we spent thousands on his care which could have easily been mitigated.
Avoid signing-up for insurance policies that guarantee you will be approved. These types of insurance are much more expensive than a regular policy because they cannot manage the risk levels of their policy holders. Unless you are in bad health and have been turned down elsewhere, avoid these types of policies.
Do not keep what is it worth of your insurance that you are not using. This only ends up costing you money each year. For example, while it makes sense to have collision coverage on newer vehicles, it does not make sense to have it for older vehicles. Also, remove drivers from your policy who no longer drive.
Consider adding additional insurance onto the policy that is provided by your work. A group insurance coverage does not move with you if you change jobs. These days most people do not stay with the same company through till retirement so an insurance policy tied to your job is not as useful as it used to be. Make sure and have coverage of your own that is not tied down to a particular employer.
If you get into a car accident make sure to call your auto insurance company right away. Hesitating can sometimes make insurance companies flag your account because they suspect that there is fraud involved. Do not waste any time and be sure to call them as soon as you get the first chance.
When shopping around for an apartment, look for one that has a sprinkler system installed in it. It may cost you a little more in rent each month to have an apartment with these in them but it will provide you with a great discount on your renter's insurance policy and will help to save your belongings in a fire.
Keeping your credit report clean will also reduce the amount you pay on insurance. Your premiums are based on how much of a risk you appear to be to the insurance company, and not paying your debts can make you look like a deadbeat. If https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/healthcare/top-10-health-insurance-companies-in-the-us-212292.aspx pay off everything you owe, you will quickly find your premiums go down as a result.
Be aware of the insurance requirements of your state of residence or any other entities mandating insurance coverage. Many states require vehicle owners to carry minimum levels of liability coverage on their vehicle in case of an accident. Most mortgage companies require home insurance coverage adequate to cover the cost of the property in case of total loss. Before making any significant purchase, be sure you are aware of the insurance requirements and costs as well.
When working with an agent or broker, take the time to satisfy yourself that the agent or broker is skilled in various forms of insurance. Most states require licensing exams and continuing education for insurance producers. Ask about these accreditations, experience in the field and any other factors that are important to you.
As an aside to watching your expiration dates, make sure that you give yourself enough time to properly renew the policy. There are no grace periods when it comes to insurance. Once it ends, it ends. When you reach the expiration date and you have not renewed it, you have to reapply for coverage.
By applying these tips, you could save money on your monthly premiums and deductibles. Remember to do your research and to compare prices before you choose a policy. A customer who knows what insurance is about will choose a better insurance plan and pay a fair price. These tips should help you choose wisely.
