Even the best drivers get into car accidents; that’s why it is often a legal requirement in countries across the world for drivers to have insurance. Unfortunately, many individuals can be denied affordable car insurance for one reason or another. But finding a solution is possible, you just have to be patient and willing to put some effort into getting back on the road again.
In the past, I’ve had issues with my car insurance. I had accidents that I thought were my fault and I refused to settle all claims, which caused my premiums to go up and forced me to find another policy. Big mistake. Since then, I’ve been more proactive in settling minor accidents.
Here are some of my tips for getting car insurance:
- Understand car insurance terminology – Not only do you have to decide between multiple companies, but you also have to wade through mountains of information to determine which one will cover your situation. The key to getting the best car insurance for your money lies in understanding car insurance terminology. Once you understand what all the jargon means, you will have the knowledge to cut through the clutter and choose the best policy for you.
- Use a broker/lawyer – Insurance brokers have access to policies you may not even be aware of. You should make it a point to scrutinize the deals they give you carefully. For this, you can take the help of a broker. Alternatively, you can reach out to a lawyer that specializes in car insurance as well. They are usually knowledgeable about insurance policies and can help you understand what coverage you have and how it applies to your situation. They can also review your policy and explain the types of coverage available, such as liability, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured coverage. In addition, if a car accident were to occur then there might be instances where a claim cannot be resolved through negotiation with the insurance company. In such a situation, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court, as you are their client. They will be in a position to advocate for your interests and work to secure a favorable outcome, whether through settlement or trial. So, if you think you’d benefit from having such a lawyer after an accident, then consider contacting a few potential legal representatives, like Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys (https://www.warforindy.com/indianapolis-car-accident-lawyer), to explore your options further.
- Get a full coverage policy – You need to have a full coverage policy in order to file a claim for any damage you cause to another car or property. So it’s important to ensure any insurance you take has this included.
- Be honest – Having a DUI or other driving conviction will always put up your premiums, there’s no getting around that. However, being dishonest and not fully disclosing everything will not work out in your favor when you need to claim expenses. Once the company finds out you lied, they can invalidate your policy and keep all your money. Then you will find it much harder to get an honest policy from another provider. While insurance companies look at your history, individual circumstances and special circumstances can give them a reason to give someone a break. For example, if you can prove you were in an accident due to no fault of your own, the company will be more willing to write you a policy.
- Pay a higher excess and pay annually – these are both options that can bring your premiums down and work out cheaper in some circumstances. Be sure that you can still afford to pay both an annual cost and the excess when it comes to actually claim on the policy.
Car insurance might not seem like the most exciting topic in the world, but it’s something we all have to pay out every month or year. After all, a car is a necessity, and accidents do happen. Life is full of twists and turns, and a lot of them can be pretty unexpected. You can never know when something will happen. As such, it’s important that you’re properly prepared financially and you have the right level of cover in place, both for your own peace of mind and for your financial safety.
