Why your insurance company matters

You might think that the best life, auto or homeowners insurance for you is the cheapest. After all, the national economy continues to struggle. Companies are still laying off workers. And raises are rare. Why shouldn’t you shop for the most inexpensive insurance policies that you can find?

There’s one reason: service.

Simply put, not all insurance companies offer the same level of service. And if you need to contact someone at your insurance company following a serious car accident or home fire, you want to be able to reach a live representative quickly.

Insurance is all about peace of mind. If a tree falls on your home’s roof, you want to know instantly that your insurance company will cover the damage. If you’ve driven your car into a parked garbage truck, again you want to know immediately what sort of coverage your insurance company will provide.

Make sure, then, before signing up for the cheapest policies, that the company behind them boasts enough staff to answer your questions, no matter when they come up.

Make sure, too, that the insurance policies offered by your company don’t contain any hidden trouble spots. For instance, some auto insurance companies might offer low rates. But the deductibles that come with them might be exorbitant.

The truth is, the insurance company behind your policies is important. And before signing any policies, it’s important to take the time to research insurers. The least expensive insurance policy isn’t always the best.

Overlooked Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage

It is likely that you understand the most prominent benefits of comprehensive coverage insurance, in that it helps pay for the damages or replacement of your own vehicle after an accident; however, there are some overlooked benefits of comprehensive coverage, as well. In fact, many drivers pay for comprehensive coverage without ever knowing the extent of the benefits they pay for.

Comprehensive coverage provides insurance for more than just the damages incurred in a collision. Instead, your insurer will pay to repair or replace your vehicle following many types of accidents, such as natural disasters and weather-related damages, such as hail and falling tree limbs. Comprehensive policies typically even pay for minor damages, such as rock chips in windshield glass. Depending on your policy, your insurer may offer to pay for a rock chip repair without subjecting you to a deductible.

Comprehensive vehicle coverage also pays for damages and repairs unrelated to weather. For example, if vandals break into your car while you are at work, taking all of your personal belongings stored in the car, you can file the losses on your insurance. Comprehensive coverage will pay for any damages to the vehicle itself as a result of the break-in, as well as for the items stolen out of your car, such as a car stereo or your purse.

Though comprehensive auto coverage is typically the most costly, it can save thousands of dollars during times of need. After all, no one ever complains of having too much insurance when the time comes to make a claim.

Understand Your Pennsylvania Insurance Options

States are more or less divided between no-fault (each party involved in an accident is responsible for corresponding expenses) and fault (only the driver at fault in the accident is responsible for corresponding expenses) auto insurance policies. Pennsylvania is one of only three states in the entire country that gives drivers the option of choosing between the two. These two policies are presented with the terms "Full Tort" and "Limited Tort," the former meaning no-fault and the latter meaning fault insurance plans.

In terms of home insurance, Pennsylvania residents have a few additional considerations that residents of other states, or other regions of the state, may not have to worry about. For example, Pennsylvania residents that live by the coast in areas surrounding Philadelphia should expect to spend a bit more in storm coverage than a resident closer to the West Side of Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. Furthermore, all residents of the state should look into quite a bit of coverage from snow storms specifically, since the Pennsylvania region tends to see heavy snowfall during the winter season.

Other types of insurance– such as umbrella insurance, boat insurance, RV insurance, and toy insurance– are also important for Pennsylvania residents to consider. These policies each provide essential coverage for items that aren’t included in basic home insurance and car insurance policies. If you live in Pennsylvania and own an especially valuable item that you couldn’t afford to immediately replace, it would certainly be worth looking into additional forms of insurance coverage.

Don’t forget the insurance broker

When searching for insurance — whether it’s auto, life, homeowners or health — don’t forget to meet with your local independent insurance broker. By doing this, you can boost your odds of signing up for the best insurance policy at the lowest possible rates.

Independent insurance brokers aren’t tied to any one insurance agency. This means that when you meet with them, these professionals can search for live insurance quotes from the industry’s top insurance providers. Whether you’re searching for a new auto insurance policy or looking for homeowners insurance for your first residential purchase, an insurance broker can help you find the lowest rates.

A broker, though, isn’t only about saving money. Brokers will also search for the insurance policies that best fit your needs and the needs of your family. An inexpensive insurance policy isn’t a bargain if it leaves either you or your family in financial danger should an auto accident, death or property damage incur.

No one likes to spend money on insurance. But insurance is a necessity today if you want to drive a car or take out a mortgage loan to help buy a home. And the right life insurance policy can make sure that your family is taken care of financially should you unexpectedly pass away.

Make the insurance hunt an easier one by signing up by meeting with an insurance broker today. It’s the best way to shop for insurance.