utorak, 25. studenoga 2008.

5 Tips When Shopping For the Right Auto Insurance

Choosing the right auto insurance can be hard. Many companies offer you a discounted rate or an "appetizer" to get in the door. When shopping for auto insurance in York Pennsylvania, learn what to look for to make an informed decision for you and your family.

1. Determine how much coverage you need - Most states require a minimum requirements. Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5, which means $15,000 of bodily injury liability for one person, $30,000 bodily injury liability for all people and $5,000 property damage liability.

Even though each state has minimum (or no) requirements for bodily injury liability, it is probably in your best interest to purchase higher limits. The reason being if someone else is injured and you are at fault, the minimum liability coverage may not cover their medical expenses. This would mean their attorney would most likely come after your assets. It is generally recommended that you purchase $100,000/$300,000 limits of bodily injury liability.

If your personal assets don't amount to much (you don't own a home and are living paycheck to paycheck), you don't have a whole lot for them to bother about, so the minimum requirements might
actually suit you, not to mention save you some money.

2. Compare Rates - In order to make an informed decision regarding auto insurance, you will want to hop around. There are many insurance companies in York, Pennsylvania, so you will want to make sure you set time aside to do this task. It can take 1 to 2 hours. You can do this online, on the phone or visit a local office. Write down several questions you want to ask the agent such as deductibles, coverage, options and limits. Make sure you have your current insurance policy, your driver's license and your car registration.

When you have obtained several quotes, design a chart where you can see all the information from the companies. Be certain to compare them "apples to apples". Many companies do offer different deductibles, options and limits so you will need to take this into consideration when making your choice.

3. Service - Don't be afraid to ask the agent what kind of service you can expect if you have a question or a loss. Can you call anytime and talk to a local person? Or should you expect to speak to someone working at a phone bank in India? In the event you have a claim, wouldn't it be nice to talk to someone right in your own neighborhood? Ask these questions.

4. Financial Ratings - Check the companies financial ratings through agencies such as Moody's or Standard & Poor. You want to make sure your insurance company is a good and reputable company.

Also, talk to friends, acquaintances about their insurance company and agent. Google the insurance company, look at their website. Find out as much as you can about the company before you make your decision.

5. Do not be afraid to ask the obvious question, "Why should I switch to you?" Many companies may give you the speech that they are the best or they have the best coverage. Ask more personal
questions. Such as, "Have you lived in this area for a long time?", "Are you involved in community activities?" Don't be afraid to ask personal questions to get to know the agent.

With these tips, you will now be prepared to search for the right auto insurance company in the York Pennsylvania area that is right for you.

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