There are many risks that we face in our everyday lives and in order to protect ourselves against these risks, we turn to insurance policies. Insurance, like any complex financial instrument, can be difficult to navigate, if you don’t know what you are doing. These tips will help simplify insurance concepts and make them understandable.
Look around and find an insurance provider that can handle all of your needs. You can get a great discount if you have things like health, life, and home insurance with the same company. If you currently carry all of your insurance with one company, but are considering moving your car insurance to another company to get a better rate, first find out if the cost of your homeowners insurance will rise as a result.
Insurance is like any profession: it uses a lot of specialized words (indemnification, liability, etc.) So if you don’t understand something about a policy you’re about to buy, STOP. Ask the insurance professional you’re talking with to back up and explain in terms that you can understand. If you still don’t get it, make them explain it again. Nothing is worse than signing on for a policy that either costs too much or doesn’t cover enough, because you didn’t feel comfortable asking questions about it beforehand.
Make sure that the insurance you have now will cover all contingencies when it comes to your home business. Make a list of the possible risks you might face and ask your insurer if they’re covered; if they’re not you can buy additional coverage.
To cover your home for earthquake damage in California, you must purchase separate earthquake insurance. Regular homeowner’s insurance will not cover quake damage. Your insurance company or broker can help you understand the risk in your area and provide the coverage for you. Many homeowners choose not to get earthquake coverage, as it can be quite expensive.
If you own a home and have a car, you can save on insurance by covering both, with the same company. Most insurers offer multi-policy discounts and with online tools that make it easy to compare costs, you can easily find the company that offers you the biggest savings and most appropriate coverage for your situation.
Check your pet’s insurance policy for information on the company requirements. Some policies require you to take your pet to the vet for a yearly check up, and pay out of pocket for it. Yearly physical exams are a great idea for pet care, but make sure the insurance company isn’t forcing you to pay for it.
Ask for several quotes before you commit to any company or policy. Check out insurance brokers or websites providing comparison insurance shopping. Don’t just sign up with the first company that quotes you a premium you can somehow afford. You might get a cheaper premium or more services for the same price from a different company.
With the myriad of insurance policies available, it can sometimes be difficult for ordinary consumers to keep up with everything they need to know to make the best of their insurance products. By putting the above tips into practice, you can become a smart consumer and maximize the benefits insurance offers, without wasting money.