Car insurance is a competitive market. There are many options to consider when purchasing and maintaining car insurance. When do you know that is a time to change the carrier?
One large factor is the coverage. If you have had an insurance policy for many years, and the agent does not offer to update your information etc., it is time to get a new agent and carrier. Insurance agents should periodically check policy data with their customers. For example, it is essential to keep up with the current replacement value on cars. Not doing this yourself means you trust an agent to do that for you.
If you have had no accidents, but your deductible is being raised by your carrier, it is time to go insurance shopping. The reasons some insurance carriers raise deductibles on clients is age and gender. If this is the case, you should look into another insurance carrier.
Rates for insurance carriers vary, depending on the area and coverage. If you live in an area that is prone to automobile break ins, collisions, and accidents, the carrier will raise all policy rates in that area, based on their losses. If this is the case, you should look for a carrier that is not so heavily loaded with claims in your area.
Car insurance rates are very competitive. There are many online companies, etc. You should find someone that has a claims office in your area or an adjustor that works that area. If you insurance carrier has to send someone from another State, and the waiting period is one to two weeks, it might be advantageous for you to look for a carrier that has a local claims office or adjustor.
If you have an accident and your insurance carrier wants you to use inferior parts for the repair and will only pay for those, it might be a good idea to change carriers.
Customer satisfaction is an important part of insurance. If your agent is not understanding or willing to discuss your policy, it might be a good idea to change agents or carriers. It might only take a change of agent rather than a new carrier to remedy this situation. It is important that you feel confident your car insurance needs are being taken care of.
If you cannot call your insurance carrier to ask questions, you might want to look for someone who will take the time to answer. If you leave messages, but no one every returns the calls, it is time to look for someone who will work with you and give you the answers that you require.