4 Questions to Ask Your Car Insurance Agent

Asking the proper questions of your car insurance agent can save you money now and avoid frustration later when you expect your insurance to perform. If you're like many, your car insurance decisions are driven by premium price when, in fact, making the cost of your insurance the number one priority may leave you under-insured. This, in turn, will leave you over-exposed to the risks of driving and, quite possibly, this may be totally unintentional.

Sad to say, many drivers don't really understand their auto insurance coverage and have never even taken the opportunity to read their policy through. When their policy documents arrive they may have just filed them away and forgotten about them until the time comes that they're involved in an accident or other vehicle incident and need to make a claim. If your car gets stolen or vandalized and you learn upon filing a claim that you weren't covered by comprehensive and your claim is denied, this will obviously come as a huge surprise and let down if you had assumed you were covered for this type of loss. It's important to understand what your car insurance policy covers and to ask questions of your agent. Here's a list of questions we consider relevant:

1. Am I Getting What Coverage I Need?

In North Carolina, the law requires that you have a minimum amount of both liability protection and unisured motorist coverage. Beyond these requirements, you have the option of collision, comprehensive, medical payments coverage, personal injury protection, gap insurance and more. Comprehensive and collision insurance may not be a good deal for you if you're driving a low-valued car.

2. Am I Getting all the Discounts for Which I'm Eligible?

Most insurers offer numerous discounts for eligible applicants, but you may not find out about them unless you specifically ask.

3. Are My Liability Limits Realistic?

North Carolina's auto insurance liability limits of 30/60/25 could be easily surpassed in an auto accident that you cause. Any excess must be paid out of your pocket. Most experts recommend you increase your liability amounts by several times.

4. How Will My Deductible Affect My Premium Rate?

Raising your deductible will lower your premium rate, but you must be able to shoulder this amount in the event you need to make a claim. Find out how much you can save with different deductibles and choose a comfortable amount.