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Before purchasing auto insurance, you are incouraged
to always evaluate and compare the various products offered to
ensure you get the coverage you need at an acceptable level of
value. Additionally, because your personal and financial obligations
change over time, you will occasionally need to review your personal
auto policy (PAP) to confirm that it adequately meets your current
needs. If it doesn't, you may choose to increase or replace your
policy.
Evaluate the coverage you already
have Before buying new or additional
coverage, first review and understand the coverage you already have.
It's a good idea to discuss with us, or your financial advisor, your
auto policy when reviewing or updating coverage levels. Talk about
your current and future insurance needs. You may be able to increase
your liability coverage or make limited changes to an existing
policy if you find that the coverage you have is inadequate. On the
other hand, there may be occasions when you need to purchase an
entirely new policy.
The following is a list of some common events that
should trigger a review of your personal auto policy:
- Your annual policy is up for renewal:
review it and make necessary changes. Usually a month or so
before renewal is an ideal time to consider modifications.
- Your family status changes (married, divorced,
kids): You may become more concerned about protecting assets
after you get married, or you may wish to purchase more liability
or collision coverage after your son or daughter gets a driver's
license.
- Your property increases in value: Your
home is one of your most valuable assets. Without adequate auto
liability protection, your home could be lost to pay a judgment
against you.
- Your net worth increases: As your net
worth increases, you will have more assets (and more valuable
assets) to protect.
- You buy a new (or additional) car: When
you buy a car, you'll need to change your automobile policy to
insure it. Take a few minutes to review your liability coverage
under that policy, and make sure that your liability limits are
still adequate.
Comparing policy terms and
conditions Although automobile insurance
policies are standardized to a certain extent, it's still important
to compare specific policies in terms of coverage, exclusions, the
reputation of the insurance company and value. Some points to
consider:
- When comparing policies, always make sure you
are comparing very similar policies. You can't fairly weigh
one policy against another unless you are comparing similar
provisions and exclusions. Think about deductibles and limits of
liability, as well as price. To do this means you will want
to spend time carefully reviewing each policies general language
and details.
- Weigh the policy cost against coverage and the
service you'll receive.
- Evaluate the strength and reputation of the
insurance company. It's important to buy auto insurance from a
financially sound, reputable insurance company. You can check the
ratings published by one of several companies, such as A.M. Best,
Moody's, Standard & Poor's, or Duff & Phelps.
Learn More...
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Please Note:
The information contained in this Web site is provided solely as a
source of general information and resource. It is a
not a statement of contract and coverage may not apply in all
areas or circumstances. For a complete description of
coverages, always read the insurance policy, including all
endorsements.
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