Whether you're acquiring your own car insurance policy for the first time or preparing to get your own health insurance after turning 26, it's important to know where to look for coverage and how to identify the best policy for you. It can be tempting to shop online because it's convenient, but it's likely not the best way to find a policy matching your personal priorities and budget.
Here are 6 tips beginners should follow when shopping for insurance.
1. Don't rely on the internet alone.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to insurance coverage, but shopping online often makes it seem this way. Although the internet may be useful for preliminary research, the options available online can be overwhelming. What limits are right for you?
When applying online, insurance companies often pre-fill your limits. One reason could be because they seek to limit the amount of claims they payout by suggesting lower limits. To the shopper, this seems like an opportunity to save money, but it could leave you at greater risk when the time comes to file a claim. Conversely, Keller-Brown Insurance agents work with clients to maximize coverage while staying within their budget.
2. Get support from an insurance agent.
Shopping online can be extremely one-sided. There is little, if any, opportunity to ask questions or receive advice. Plus, the questions asked of clients when shopping online are targeted specifically at providing a rate rather than providing ample coverage. As a result, you could be left with a standardized policy that doesn't exactly suit your needs.
While some people are comfortable with lower insurance limits, others may want to reduce their financial risk as much as possible. When you speak to a Keller-Brown Insurance agent, they'll work with you to identify policies aligning with your priorities. Insurance agents get to know you as an individual in order to help you find the best policy.
3. Ask plenty of questions.
The best way to ensure you understand your coverage needs and options is to ask questions. That means it's also important to shop for insurance in an environment where questions are not only welcomed, but answered thoroughly.
We understand that the process of shopping for and selecting insurance can be overwhelming—especially if you're doing so while also buying your very first home or car. That's why we take the time to walk customers through the process.
4. Work with an independent insurance agent.
When shopping online for insurance, you have to identify different carriers, get quotes and compare them. Even after putting in all that effort, it can be challenging to determine which insurance policy is the best option for you. There is much more to consider in the comparison than the overall price for the policy.
Independent insurance agents like the Keller-Brown Insurance team do much more than just compile quotes. We also have the ability to connect customers with coverage options they don't have access to on their own. Plus, independent insurance agents are licensed and required to continue education to ensure we're providing excellent and accurate service.
5. Ask about discounts.
Price is likely to be one of the biggest factors guiding your decision making process. Even if you're not actively shopping for multiple insurance policies, it's likely that you'll eventually need various coverage types. Many carriers offer multi-policy discounts.
In addition, young adulthood is a great time to acquire life insurance. Premiums are likely to be lower for young adults, and there's often an opportunity to bundle life insurance and other policies like auto. Those discounts may even pay for the policy premium.
6. Find a reliable insurance agent.
Check customer reviews to be sure they have a great reputation, ask for referrals from friends and family, and compare different insurance agents in the Pennsylvania and Maryland areas. With over 100 Google reviews and a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, you can feel confident that our agents will simplify the purchase process and connect you with coverage that suits your lifestyle.
7. Ensure you have access to a claims advocate.
It's also a great idea to ensure the insurance agent you select also has the support of a claims advocate. When the time comes for you to submit a claim, advocates provide crucial support during an often overwhelming process. Claims Advocates, like Keller-Brown's own Angela Zingone, ensure customers understand the role of the insurance carrier. They also oversee the claims process to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Read our Q&A with Certified Insurance Service Representative, Angela Zingone, to learn more about the benefits of a Claims Advocate.
How Keller-Brown Insurance can help
Whether you're shopping for insurance for the very first time or ready to upgrade to a plan that better suits your needs, contact a Keller-Brown Insurance agent. Our team will connect you with a variety of options, and we'll provide your quote in an easy-to-understand manner.