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WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHANGING AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES
BYALAN PLAFKER, PRESIDENT & CEO Some customers have been prompted by TV commercials or mass mail advertisers to consider switching their automobile insurance. Before saying “yes” to one of these propositions we hope you will consider the following:
Not all auto insurance companies are alike. Some support local, independent insurance agencies to help with all your insurance questions or problems. Some put their resources into advertising campaigns and are accessible to you only by an 800 number, and chances are you will never deal with the same individual twice.
Not necessarily. It’s easy for salespeople to quote you a lower price if they don’t give you the same amount of coverage. We often find when looking at the details of these quick quote offers that the protection you and your family need is often compromised as a way of lowering your costs. New York state drivers can pick from literally hundreds of policy combinations consisting of various coverage and limit options. For your own protection, please let your agency go over the details of any offer you receive before accepting it. Your insurance agency can offer this beneficial analysis at absolutely no cost to you.
Your agent will. Customers who have had a claim against their auto policy know an agent provides personal attention during this stressful time. They make sure you get the quickest, most convenient service, and answer all your questions. They also make sure you get every penny that’s coming to you. In short, they stand behind the coverage they sell you and the companies they represent. Are you sure you would get the same level of personal contact and concern from a mass
There could be hidden costs to you that the company won’t disclose until it’s too late. For example, you currently may be receiving a discount on your homeowners policy if it’s from the same company as your auto insurance. By switching you can lose that discount. An even greater danger these companies won’t tell you about is their right to cancel your coverage within the first 60 days even if you have accepted their offer and paid the premium. Mass market companies tend to take your money first then check your driving, claims and credit history later. If they see something they don’t like they may cancel your policy. A cancellation on your record can make it harder and more expensive to get coverage from another insurance company.
Your Professional Independent Agent does! They take the time to get to know their customers. Your auto insurance coverage has been crafted with your complete financial picture, your driving and claims history and your family circumstances in mind. There’s no way a stranger can reach that level of understanding from a brief phone call or impersonal application form. They want to keep you as their customer. If you receive an offer that’s “too good to be true,” it just might be. Before you say yes let your agent look over the fine print.
In today’s market, where affordable personal auto insurance seems less and less available, you may wonder if there’s any way to control rising premiums. You should have an independent insurance agent, representing multiple companies, give you the right insurance to fit your needs. Besides choosing the right insurance company, here are some other tips to help you control the rates you pay for auto insurance:
Alan Plafker, CPIA is President of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a Melrose Credit Union Service Organization. He is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent and licensed Insurance Broker. He serves as First Vice President on the Board of Directors the PIANY (Professional Insurance Agents Association of NY), serves on the Board of CIBGNY (Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY), and serves as Treasurer for the New York Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund Board of Directors. His Agency insures thousands of polices for TLC Insurance as well as many policies for all types of insurance. You can reach him in his Briarwood, Queens office at (718) 523-1300 Ext. 1082, or visit the website at: www.MemberBrokerage.com
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