COMPARE BEFORE YOU SHOP, Part 4 ~ Renter's/Tenant's Insurance

Do Your Homework - RENTER'S/TENANT POLICIES

Ever stop to think just how much the stuff you've accumulated would actually cost to replace?  Go "shopping" around your apartment or rental home/condo one day and you would be surprised.  Ever stop to think about someone slipping and falling on your stairs or in your kitchen and you being sued?  What if you're cooking a fabulous meal for you and your significant other and the kitchen goes up in flames?  Do you have coverage if the neighbor (either upstairs or next door) causes a water leak that leads to your apartment being flooded and they have no renter's insurance?  

These scenarios are very real and could happen to anyone, yet could be avoided for merely pennies a day.  Most renter's insurance policies (depending on the amount of personal property you insure) run about $15-$25 per month and usually cover a minimum of $100,000 for your personal liability should you damage your rental unit due to negligence on your part.  Your liability coverage would also cover you should someone injure themselves at your residence and attempt to collect damages from you.  Most renter's insurance policies also provide you with some minimum coverages for jewelry, furs, computer items, silverware, etc. as well as basic medical expense coverage (usually $1,000) should you need it.  

Be sure you compare products and get the best possible liability coverage to protect your personal assets.

COMPARE BEFORE YOU SHOP, Part 1 ~ Auto Insurance

Do Your Homework - AUTO POLICIES, TX

Ask ten friends what they want in an insurance company and more than half will say "good price!" One or two will say "best company!"  There may be a loner or two that chime in with "best customer service and availability!"  You see, we all value different things when it comes to our own personal, customized needs. 

Some folks like to be left alone to the research online, then enter payment info and go about their merry way.  Others like to "shop" their coverage yearly or every policy period, looking for the best possible price.  Then you have the "relationship seekers" who literally want to know exactly who is taking care of them, their needs, and their assets.  Once you get 'em, you got 'em as long as you continue to serve their needs.  

Regardless of which of those customer segments you fall into, be sure you do some research prior to getting online, making those calls, or visiting your local insurance agent's office.  The most awkward moment is usually when I ask my potential customers "What amount would you like for us to pay in the event you caused a major accident with injury and perhaps death?"  Silence fills the room or the other end of the phone for a brief moment, and then I get "Well, what do you mean?"  

If you do your comparisons up front, you'll have an idea of what the legal limits of liability coverage are in your state and why it is you may want to purchase more than that, depending on what you stand to lose in an at-fault accident.  You will know more about how each company stacks up against others and which ones you should stay away from; which ones have the best claims departments and customer service centers after hours. 

Not everything should be solely based on how inexpensive it is for you to purchase.  #yougetwhatyoupayfor

AUTO INSURANCE 101: TO FILE OR NOT TO FILE

AUTO INSURANCE FOR DUMMIES

I get it all of the time ... "Why is my quote so high?  Why did my premium increase?"  The answer is fairly simple, though most things are often easier said then done.

Consistency is the key!!! If you want lower insurance rates, be consistent; pay your bills on time, don't cause accidents, don't get moving violations, don't settle for the limits of liability just to "get off cheap," and most importantly STOP SWITCHING COMPANIES EVERY SIX MONTHS!!!

When getting an auto insurance quote, there is "soft pull" on your credit to access your consumer history report, which can quickly identify trends in timely bill paying, accident or loss history report (claims filed) and previous insurance companies and coverages you've had on your current or past vehicles.

While we can't control reckless drivers, we can certainly control whether or not we follow simple, daily laws/rules to keep our own costs down.  Also, before you submit a claim keep in mind that insurance companies frown on drivers with multiple claims on their consumer history report.

Consider getting a few estimates, then determining if it is better to settle a claim on your own or between you and the other driver, without involving your insurance company.

PROTECT YOUR ASSETS!

HOW'S YOUR COVERAGE?

How many are currently aware of the amount of money your auto insurance company would pay out in the event that you caused a multiple car accident with injuries or fatalities? 

Your limits of liability (and they vary from state to state) determine the amount of damages (both property and bodily) your insurance company would pay in the event you are at fault in an accident.  

Think about that the next time you look at your insurance ID cards or policy, then think about what your net worth is and/or how much you and/or your spouse bring home each year in salary.  

If your liability limits are not at the point of protecting your net income, you may want to schedule an insurance and financial review with your insurance agent ASAP!  Don't have one, then it's time to re-think that as well.  When it comes to insurance, cheaper usually doesn't mean better and having a local agent is much more beneficial than spinning your wheels speaking to an insurance novice at a 1-800 call center.