Insurance… We all have it. We all need it. So how do we get the most out of our money? There is a lot to know and a lot to avoid when it comes to any kind of insurance. Take the advice laid out here to understand what you can do to cash in on savings, and make your insurance policies the most beneficial they can be.
Save money on insurance by bundling your insurance policies. Among the various discounts that insurance companies offer, one that will require little effort or sacrifice by you is if you get both your auto and home insurance through the same company. As you compare your options, inquire about discounts and reduced rates for policy holders who take out both auto insurance and homeowners insurance.
When dealing with an insurance claim, be sure to keep accurate logs of the time and money that you spent on preparing the information needed for your claim. You may be entitled to a reimbursement for time spent. It is possible that you may need to hire help, or it may also be possible that you lose work time when preparing the claim.
Much like car insurance or health insurance, having a higher deductible can save you money on your premium. The downside to all of this, is that if you have a small claim to make, you will most likely have to pay for the entire repair out of your own pocket.
If you can afford to do so, it is cheaper to pay your insurance premiums all at once rather than by making monthly payments. Most insurance companies will charge interest and other fees on top of your monthly payments, or may offer a discount for paying in a single lump sum.
Small business owners should always make sure that they have small business insurance. It provides you with financial protection against things like natural disasters and power shortages. Things that are unpredictable like that can cause a business to quickly go under if you are not properly covered with the correct insurance.
When applying for insurance, the insurance companies take many factors into account to determine your rates, or whether they’ll cover you at all. Keep an eye on your credit score, as this is one of the newer factors insurers are looking at when determining your risk factors. You can get a free credit report online annually.
Boat insurance is a must for all motorists. This will ensure that if your boat is damaged due to certain types of incidents, you are covered for the costs to repair or replace it. This insurance coverage can also cover injury to people that might be involved, as well.
Research insurance company lingo so you are prepared to fully read your policy. You do not want to be constantly asking your agent what every little word means, so do your homework ahead of time. Come prepared to read your policy effectively, and ask questions about unfamiliar topics. Your agent should be happy to see that you’ve worked ahead.
It may sound silly but some people even invest in pet insurance! I, as an owner of two dogs, also recommenced it. You simply never know what could happen to your dogs, and they are like members of your family. This protects you in the case of a serious health condition that requires regular treatment. For example I had an epileptic dog growing up and we spent thousands on his care which could have easily been mitigated.
You need a will. Seventy percent of Americans don’t have one, and many families suffer because of it. A will can help to protect your assets in the event of your death. It keeps your family safe from probate court and lets everyone know what your intentions are. This might be one of the most important legal documents you can have.
Avoid making monthly payments and instead pay your premium on an annual basis to save up to 60 dollars a year. Most companies charge between 3 to 5 dollars a month if you are paying every month. Put your money aside, and make the payment once a year or every six months instead of paying the extra fee.
If you’re planning on switching insurance providers, make sure you open your new policy BEFORE canceling your old one. If you cancel your policy first you could find yourself uninsured at the worst possible time, leaving you uncovered and paying for the situation yourself. Saving money isn’t worth the risk!
This article has shown you not only the importance of insuring our valuables and assets, but also what to strive for and what to avoid when buying and using it. The insurance that we carry can be a lifesaver when something goes wrong. That’s why we have it, and why it’s important to understand it.