Just like it’s important to see your doctor once a year for an annual medical exam and to visit your car mechanic once a year for an annual service check on your vehicle, you should also consider scheduling a consultation with your insurance agent every year or two for an auto insurance review. If you follow the money-saving strategy of carrying your life, homeowner’s and vehicle insurance with a single insurance provider, your annual or bi-annual review can cover all your various policies and, chances are good, you’ll sleep easier knowing that you’ve taken care of this important detail in making sure your insurance coverage is up to date and still tailored to best suit your current needs.
Why an Auto Insurance Review is Important
For some, thinking about vehicle insurance is a one time deal, when you first get your car or truck, with no other thoughts about your car insurance coverage unless you suffer a loss and file a claim. But getting a regular auto insurance checkup is important if certain things have changed in your life that you haven’t brought up to you agent. In some cases, you may end up saving money. Some common changes that may affect your car insurance costs include:
- Job change
- Change of zip codes
- Having a family member attaining driving age
- The addition of aftermarket equipment on your vehicle
- Certain age milestones
- Completion of a defensive driving course
You may be surprised to learn some of the things that affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance, and undergoing a regular car insurance review will make sure none of these are overlooked. Where you park your car during the workday and where it sits at night plays a role in coverage costs, for example, as do changes in your credit rating.
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for a variety of situations and these may change occasionally, so it can pay to keep up with them. Different companies’ rates may also change and it can be worth your while to move your coverage to a different insurance provider. If you’re using a broker, he or she may be able to help you find equal or better coverage for a comparable or even lower cost.
Liability
Most insurance providers recommend carrying more liability protection than your state requires, which in N.C. is 30/60/25. Your agent can advise you regarding more realistic minimums.