Is your loyalty costing you money?

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Published on Thursday, October 24 2013 17:08

Every year one of the biggest expenses for a family to incur is car insurance and homeowners insurance. Insurance companies are doing everything they can to get our attention today, but how do you know if you have the right coverage at a fair price?

Paul and Sue Rodman of Atlanta are parents to three growing boys, the oldest on the verge of getting his driver's license. They are looking at spending approximately $1500 more on insurance and that’s on top of the $2800 they're already paying annually for auto and homeowners insurance.

Paul Rodman admits that he had been with the same insurance company since he was 16 and never thought of shopping around for his insurance. Insurance companies are known for pushing rates up on these types of innocent, loyal customers. A good tip to securing the best insurance rate is to shop or have an Independent Insurance Agent shop your insurance approximately every three years. This will insure that you are always receiving the best insurance coverage and value available in the market.

Mr. Rodman took the advice of a leading expert and shopped his auto insurance and found different quotes ranging from $918 to $1800. That is nearly double the cost for the exact same policy. This of course can be confusing to most, which is why it is important to have a trusted local Independent Insurance Agent do the shopping for you. An Independent Agent will consult with you and provide you with a range of options that best fit your individual needs. The Agent will also insure you receive all discounts that apply to your policy (and there are quite a few discounts out there). Many factors determine your insurance rate and they will help simplify and determine what is best for you and your family.

At the end of the day, Mr. Rodman saved his family $1500 a year in insurance cost. He has the same exact coverage with another A+ Insurance Carrier and is no longer a loyal slave to the same big insurance company as he has been the majority of his life. Way to go Mr. Rodman… Now how much do you think you could save?

Teen Drivers Auto Insurance FAQ

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Published on Thursday, August 08 2013 15:42

Teen Drivers' Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  Can I get a driver's license if I don't have an auto insurance policy?

No.  All applicants for a Texas driver's license must show proof of insurance to get a driver's license.  You'll have to show proof of insurance regardless of whether you're getting a driver's license for the first time, renewing your driver's license, or getting a Texas driver's license after moving from another state.

2.  How are auto insurance rates determined?

In general, companies base their rates on their estimate of the likelihood that you will be involved in an accident.  Statistics show that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than older, more experienced drivers.    Therefore, rates for younger drivers will usually be more expensive.  If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy, the kind of car you drive will also affect your rates. 

3.  How do insurance companies decide what kind of risk I might pose for an accident?

Each company evaluates risk differently.  All companies generally use some type of formula that considers a variety of "risk factors."  These factors include:  Driving History, Age, Gender, Lifestyle (married, single, children, etc), and Credit history. 

4.  How can I lower my premium?

The best way to lower your premium is to be a safe driver.  Insurance Companies offer the best rates to drivers without accidents, speeding tickets, and other traffic violations.  Also, ask about discounts.  Insurance companies may offer discounts if you make good grades in school or drive a car with safety and anti-theft features.

5.  If I have an accident while driving a friend's car, will my policy pay?

In most cases, the vehicle owner's insurance pays for losses, regardless of who was driving.  This means that if you're in a wreck while driving a friend's car, your friend's policy will usually pay.  Your insurance policy would pay any remaining amount that exceeds your friend's policy limits.  If your friend does not have insurance and you're involved in an accident while driving his or her car, your policy will pay.