The Do’s:
- Do research online about insurance companies and providers to get a better idea of what they offer.
- Do get quotes from at least 3 to 5 different insurance companies to ensure that you are getting the best rate.
- Do evaluate your personal preferences and needs. These needs must be satisfied or at least reflected in the policy you are selecting.
- Do get your questions answered by the insurer should you need clarification.
- Do ask for additional/optional covers or add-ons. This helps you understand you’re your current needs are and what other options might be suitable for you.
- Do ask for discounts. Many insurance companies will have discounts that may be applicable to you like a No Claims discount, low mileage discounts, or even the option to insure another vehicle under the same policy.
The Don’ts:
- Don’t leave out important information about yourself, your vehicle, your driving history, or health status as these details are meant to help your insurer find the best insurance policy for you.
- Don’t lie, distort, or give out false information in order to lower your insurance premium. If your insurance company finds out, they can cancel your policy and refuse any claims.
- Don’t go for the bare minimum. Even under a budget, it is important to go through options and consider add-ons to really utilize the purpose of having car insurance.
- Don’t forget to check for the breakdown of you overall/total premium rate. Some companies don’t include hidden rates when giving quotes.
- Don’t forget to read the fine print carefully to understand the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Your insurance policy is a contract, meaning it is a mutual agreement.
[5 Car Insurance Myths We All Fall For]
Car Insurance Tricks to Watch Out For
- Extremely cheap quotes: These are usually signs of hidden rates that your insurer hasn’t brought up yet. To prevent any rude surprises from happening later, it is best to ask about additional charges up front.
- Constant and (passive) aggressive suggestions of add-ons: These may not even be necessary for you or your vehicle. Purchasing add-ons will increase the cost of your insurance. While it is great to have suggestions coming directly from your insurer, it’ is also wiser to evaluate your needs first and stick to the checklist you have in mind before deciding to get an add-on.
- Car insurance jargon: You will come across many terms that are specific to car insurance which can sound quite confusing, so it is a good idea to look them up and fully understand the contract you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
The good news is that there are a number of ways you can get around such tricks. You can do this by:
- Comparing quotes online: Shopping online for car insurance is probably the best way to avoid falling for marketing tactics. Online sites will usually have a straight to the point, easy to understand process of buying car insurance, while you also have the option to Google any terms right then and there.
- Comparing the cost of Add-ons: Comparing quotes is a must to ensure that you’re not being charged more than you should be. Retrieving at least 3 to 5 quotes from different companies will give a wider selection and basis for comparison.
- Understanding terms and conditions: It is important that these are ready carefully to ensure that you are fully aware about what you are buying. The more you understand the components that make up the service you’re looking for, the better you’ll understand the actual service.
