40 percent of drivers don’t shop around for car insurance as often as they should.
Most of us accept car insurance premiums as a fact of life and don’t think about them any further. We often stay with a company that frustrates us because we don’t know any different.
The truth is, not all insurance companies are created equal. You don’t have to stay with your current auto insurance company while they keep raising your rates.
If you aren’t happy with your current insurance company, it might be time to shop for new car insurance.
Keep reading for 7 signs it’s time to switch to a new car insurance provider.
1. You’re Paying Too Much
The most obvious reason to switch to a new auto insurance company is that you’re paying too much for your current coverage.
If another company can give you a better rate for the same coverage, it makes sense to switch. You should do a price comparison each year or at the end of each policy period to make sure you are getting the best rates available to you.
Insurance companies set their premium rates based on a variety of different factors, so their offers will be different from one another.
If you are happy with your current insurance carrier, but not their price tag, there are some steps you can take. First, make sure you are only paying for the coverage you need.
If you are paying for a very low deductible and can afford to do so, increasing your deductible amount can save you money. Also, make sure that your current carrier is applying all of the discounts you are eligible for to your policy.
2. Your Rates Keep Rising
Do your car insurance rates seem to keep climbing each year even though you haven’t had an accident?
If this sounds like you, it’s time to take your business to a new carrier. As a longtime customer of an insurance company, you should be receiving a discount for your loyalty.
While some rate increases are inevitable, if hikes are a common occurrence with your company, it’s time to switch to a new carrier.
3. You Have a New Car
Purchasing a new car is a great time to switch to a new auto insurance company.
If you aren’t thrilled with your current company, shop around for rates for your new car. You’ll likely find that other companies will offer you better rates and a discount on your new car.
If you switch multiple vehicles to a new company, you may qualify for a new multi-line discount. Insuring your new car might be stressful, but it’s the best time to explore your car insurance options.
4. There’s No Support
Customer service is everything in the insurance industry, and especially when it comes to auto insurance.
After all, you expect your insurance company to be there for you if you do get into an accident. You’ll need them to provide support when it comes to navigating the claims process, getting your vehicle repaired, and getting a rental vehicle if you have coverage for one.
If you have roadside assistance and you can’t get someone on the phone, you could be in serious trouble.
If you can’t seem to connect with anyone at your insurance company, it might be time to switch. There are other insurance companies out there who will be happy to provide you top-notch support.
If your current insurance company makes it difficult to file a claim, it’s time to look elsewhere.
5. It’s Been Awhile
When was the last time you compared rates or updated your policy?
If you can’t remember, then now is the time. Auto insurance rates can change in just a matter of months, let alone years.
There are many factors that go into determining your insurance rates that can change over time. For example, if your credit score has improved since the last time you received a quote, you will likely be offered a better rate.
If you are a young driver, you will be eligible for better rates as you get older.
Maybe you aren’t driving your car as much. Whatever the case, you should periodically see what other carriers can offer you.
6. They Aren’t Online
If your auto carrier is behind on the times and doesn’t offer online access and other modern tools, it’s time to leave them in the past.
Online access allows you to easily view and update your policy, set up auto payments directly from your bank account, and perform many other functions that will save you time and money.
You can also communicate with your agent and their team online. Failing to offer these conveniences is a sign that their other policies and procedures may be outdated as well.
7. You Aren’t Happy
While auto insurance isn’t something most people get excited about, you should at least be content with the coverage you are getting and what you are paying for it.
If you don’t feel satisfied with the coverage you have, it might be time to shop around. You can probably find better coverage at an equal or better price with another company.
Purchasing New Car Insurance
If you are interested in switching carriers and purchasing new car insurance, you should talk to an agent today.
An agent will be able to provide you with a quote and show you what our company has to offer. Contact us here to get started.