After you’ve signed your car insurance contract, it’s easy to forget that you even have car insurance, at least until you have to pay your first insurance premium. Then you get used to paying your monthly bill, and as months turn to years, you think you’ve earned a cheaper premium; after all you’re a loyal client and excellent driver.
But when you’ve signed on the dotted line for years now without complaint, some insurance companies will try and turn the tables back on you. That’s not fair and it’s not good business.
Here are five signs that it’s time to look for another car insurer:
Loyalty should be rewarded. When it seems like your insurance company isn’t doing what it can to get you a great insurance package, looking elsewhere for better and more affordable coverage is a no-brainer.
A Consumer Reports 2014 survey revealed that over 53 percent of car owners have stayed with their car insurance providers for more than 15 years. That’s a long time to do business with one company. If you’re still paying the same dollar amount for insurance premium (remember inflation) then they’re really not doing what they can to help you out. To help motivate your insurance agent, let them know you are looking elsewhere, and that comparing car insurance quotes online makes the prospect of finding a new insurer pretty easy.
Choosing to change insurance providers can save you a lot of money. It can also provide you with many other advantages. If you are experiencing any of the following, then it’s time to change your insurance provider:
- Raised rates
Have you experienced an increase in your insurance premiums due to no fault of your own? Some insurance providers have been known to raise their rates without giving prior notice to their clients. If you’ve not had any accidents or made any claims on your insurance recently, there should be no reason for your car insurance provider to raise your rates.
If this has happened to you, take some time to compare rates and seek better deals with other insurance providers.
- Poor customer service
The insurance industry is listed as one of the top seven industries with the worst customer care. But don’t let this deter you from making a switch. Insurance companies are working to improve the negative perception of the industry and are striving for a greater level of connectivity with their clients.
Do you always get an automated answering service whenever you call your insurance provider? Do you end up being placed on hold for a long period? Do your emails, voicemails or phone calls go unanswered? These may all be signs that you need to consider switching to another insurance provider and save yourself a lot of headache.
- No website
This may not seem like a serious issue, but it says a lot about your insurance provider. In the 21st century, having a website is important for a business. A company-run website lets you pay your bills online, review your contract and contact your agent, among other things. A website also means having 24-hour access to your insurance provider. You can find useful information about their products and services without having to physically visit the company.
If your insurance provider does not have an online presence, you may want to opt for a different provider to save time and money with online services.
- You get poor service when you file a claim
Have you filed a claim with your insurance provider? It is a general expectation that you should be provided with quality service when filing a claim. If your insurance company is giving you the run around and not keeping you up to date with what is happening, then you should be wary.
- Your coverage doesn’t meet your needs
If your insurance provider can’t offer you a policy that meets your needs, it’s time to move on.
It’s important to ensure that you’re happy with your insurance provider. There are many choices in the market. Don’t get stuck just because you can’t be bothered to search for a better option. Online quote comparison will help you get answers fast.
