The car insurance market is currently crowded with providers, each touting their policy’s features and benefits as the best. However, whether you’re shopping for a new car insurance policy or you’ve decided to switch plans, you must know what to look for. Fortunately, in recent years some common characteristics of a reliable car insurance policy have emerged. These characteristics not only save you time and money but also provide added peace of mind and protection. To be considered reliable, a policy must meet the following criteria:
1. Sound & Copious Auto Insurance Claims
If you notice the term “sound” in the list above, it’s because a policy that pays claims promptly and accurately is one of the single best ways to reduce your risk. A better way to put it is that you want to choose a policy provider that rarely rejects or limits your claim.
The best way to understand how quickly a car insurance company reacts is to take advantage of an online claims service. These services allow you to enter the type and value of your claim, and estimate the company’s response time.
2. Safe Driving Discounts
Another guaranteed way to lower your car insurance cost is to simply drive safely. If you’ve been driving for years and have never had an accident or traffic violation, you may qualify for a discount from your insurance provider. Some smaller companies offer discounts specifically for safe drivers; however, a better approach is to choose a larger auto insurance company in the first place. This way, they have a greater stake in your continued safe driving.
3. Understanding & Caring Customer Service
Although policy features and price are important, the easiest way to determine the worth of an insurance provider is to talk with their customer support. The best car insurance providers offer not only a good number of customer service channels (such as email, chat, or phone), but also have staff that understands your needs and concerns. As you compare quotes from different companies, see how they answer your questions and respond to your concerns. The company that best manages your expectations for their policy also tends to make the most reliable insurance provider.
4. Comprehensive & Affordable Coverage
Although price is important, the most reliable auto insurance companies also provide comprehensive coverage options. To understand what types of coverage are available, you’ll want to consult with a qualified agent who can answer your questions and help you research the market. The more you learn about the different insurance options, the easier it will be to choose a provider who has everything you need in one place.
5. Enhanced Deductibles & Co-Pays
If you do have an accident, there will be a car insurance deductible that you’ll need to pay for any damages. The soundest car insurance providers—the ones who rarely reject your claims—typically offer lower deductibles and higher limits than their competitors. They also tend to provide enhanced co-pays or other means of covering the costs of an incident.
In addition, when looking for the most reliable car insurance companies, you’ll want to consider their reputation. One way to do that is to contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also check out the company’s rating with sites like AutoInsuranceQuotes.com and AutoInsuranceComparison.com.
6. Affordable Premiums & Good Financial Ratings By Rating Agencies
Good financial ratings by rating agencies are a good starting point for finding the best auto insurance companies. Most companies are rated based on their financial stability. By ensuring they are, in fact, financially stable, you can be sure they will pay out on claims and other obligations.
Conclusion
By understanding the top six characteristics of a reliable car insurance provider, you’ll have a much easier time finding the best coverage for your needs. Whether you’re shopping for a new policy or simply considering your options, ask your agent what sets their company apart from its competitors and how they manage claims. Then find out if their customer service is as good as it is sound.
