You ever get that nagging feeling that there is something you should remember to do, but you’re not sure what it is? This can apply to many things in life, but in this case we’re talking about auto insurance. According to Susan Combs, president of Combs & Company in New York City, people “tend to get complacent” with their auto insurance. Reviewing your auto insurance policy annually is a good way to make sure you’re getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Circumstances Change Over Time
Even if you found a good deal on auto insurance when you first signed your policy, circumstances can change. If you overlooked something or made a few errors or omissions on your initial policy, those changes can carryover to the next year. Many insurance companies give you the opportunity to make changes in your coverage once a year. If you assume there is nothing wrong, however, you are not likely to change anything. Some changes that may affect your auto insurance needs include:
• Purchase of new, fuel-efficient car that may make you eligible for certain discounts.
• Sale of a second vehicle that is still listed on your coverage, meaning you are paying for a vehicle you no longer have.
• Additional drivers on your policy may no longer need to be on your policy. This usually includes a former minor who now has his or her own policy.
• No longer driving your car as much as you once did. This could make you eligible for discounts for putting fewer hours on your vehicle.
• Purchase of a new car. If you update to a more recent model year, you could be eligible for discounts since new cars tend to have fewer maintenance issues.
• Discounts you weren’t eligible for at the time your policy started. This typically includes safe driver discounts that you may be eligible for if you had no accidents during the coverage year.
Too Much or Too Little Coverage
A common error people make on their auto insurance policy, according to Combs, is to have too much or too little coverage. If you get auto insurance coverage with the same company that provides your health and life insurance coverage, you’re likely duplicating some of your coverage. You may save money by combining all your policies with a single company. To determine if you have too much or too little coverage, take a look at the types of auto insurance you have and who is covered under your policy.
Coverage Options
Take a look at what type of coverage you have. Common types of auto insurance are: liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist. Additional options include rental reimbursement and emergency road service. When it comes time to consider changes to your policy, look at which coverage options you are using and which you are not. Granted, the purpose of insurance is to protect against the unexpected, but you still may be able to eliminate some coverage options. If you already get emergency road service from a AAA membership, for example, there is no need to have the same coverage with your auto insurance.
Who Is Covered
Auto insurance typically covers you and your spouse, legal drivers under the age of 18 and other licensed drivers who have permission to use your insured vehicle. If circumstances have changed, there is no reason you should be paying for drivers who no longer use your vehicle. Conversely, if you have a child who just turned 16 and is driving, you may want to add them to your coverage. This could save you money in the event of an accident while they are driving your car. Adjusting coverage as needed can reduce your premiums – and that makes for a happier driver.
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