5 Tips to Get the Best Value on an Insurance Policy

When you are looking for the best value in insurance, it is about more than just getting the cheapest insurance policy out there. While price is important, there is a lot more to the value of an insurance policy than just price. A valuable insurance policy provides the coverage you need at an affordable price. You also want a reputable insurance company that you can count on to be there when you need it. It is going to take a little time and research on your part to get the best value on an insurance policy.

1. Find a Reputable Company

Why do you need a reputable insurance company to write your policy? You could probably shop around long enough to find a dirt-cheap policy, but you have to consider what you are really buying. What is the reputation of this insurance company? Is it financially stable and will it be around to pay any claims you may have? You can find out more about how your insurance company stands up to the rest by reviewing its ratings by insurance rating organizations such as A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.

These insurance rating organizations look at many things to determine ratings for an insurance company, including its financial performance, business profile and management style. One important consideration is the outlook. A company’s outlook is normally rated negative, stable or positive. It is possible that a company rated with a negative outlook could have some stormy times ahead. These are all things to keep in mind when choosing the right insurance company.

2. Do Your Homework

Once you have found a reputable company to provide your insurance, you are still not done. Do you really know what type of coverage you need? Whether you are an individual or a business owner, you need to do some research into the types of insurance policies you need to be adequately protected in the event of a loss. Of course, this is not the same for everyone. The types of insurance you will need will vary upon your specific situation and needs, such as if you work from home or not. Here are some common types of insurance policies for both individuals and businesses.

Types of Personal Insurance

• Automobile
• Homeowners
• Renters
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Types of Business Insurance

• General Liability
• Property Insurance
• Builder’s Risk Insurance
• Inland Marine Insurance
• Errors & Emissions
• Product Liability
• Commercial Property
• Commercial Auto
• Workers Compensation

These are not the only types of insurance you may need, but are some of the most common insurance policy types sold. Read up on each type of insurance policy and be a well-informed consumer. Knowing what you are looking for will help you shop intelligently for the best value on an insurance policy. A consultation with an insurance agent can also help if you are feeling a little lost and not sure of the coverage types you will need.

3. Shop Around

When it comes to finding the best insurance premium, it pays to shop around. You can visit local agencies and see what kind of pricing you can get or you can also look around online. You can find many very good insurance comparison websites on the internet to help you find the best pricing and coverage options available.

4. Ask about Discounts

Ask your insurance agent about what discounts are available with the policy and which ones you may qualify to receive. If you qualify for enough insurance policy discounts, you could receive a significant reduction in insurance premium price. If you are shopping online, read about all of the discounts available in the information provided on the website. If necessary, call the customer service number listed to find out more information.

5. Improve Your Risk Profile

Should you have to sell yourself to an insurance company as a good risk? Making yourself a more attractive risk will get you better insurance premiums. This could mean doing things like cleaning up your driving record, taking a defensive driving course, installing safety devices in your home or auto, doing things to improve your health and even cleaning up your credit score. The less the insurance company thinks it will have to spend on paying your claims, the cheaper your insurance premium will be.