How to Find the Right Coverage at the Right Price

When your shopping for Michigan auto insurance, you want to make sure that you’re properly covered, but you also make sure that you’ll have money in your wallet at the end of the month. Many people pay more than they need to simply because they hate shopping for car insurance. Regardless of what commercials tell you, it requires some time and preparation to get what you want and need from your insurance policy.

1. Decide How Much Coverage You Need

Coverage varies from state to state. Michigan insurance requirements are $20,000 per one person for liability, $40,000 for the total accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability. Commonly expressed as 20/40/10 on your insurance policy, this is the minimum requirement for auto coverage in this state. However, that does not mean you will not be financially liable for more if you cause death, dismemberment, or disability to another party.

2. Review Your Current Insurance Policy

Ready your current insurance policy or obtain a copy from your agent to get the information. Use this policy as a guideline for the amount of coverage and how much you are paying for it.

3. Know Your Driving Record

Disclosing a ticket or an accident will keep you from having some unpleasant surprises when shopping for your coverage. If you are unsure of the date of the tickets, make sure that the agent is aware of the situation so they can provide as accurate of a quote as possible.

4. Request Quotes

Allow an hour for this task. Have your driver’s license, registration, and current insurance policy on hand. It’s important to call around because auto insurance quotes in Michigan vary based on the insurance provider.

5. Gather Quotes

If using an independent agent, this professional will have different insurance companies that they can compare in-house for you, shortening your shopping time. If using a direct writer, they only have one company to access, forcing you to shop around.

6. Review Quotes

Compare the quotes that you have obtained and make sure that all companies are quoting the same coverage.

7. Look for Discounts

Good driving record, multi-policy discounts, affiliations to an alma mater, credit union, or electric company can sometimes net you cash savings. Just simply ask.

8. Check the Insurance Company Track Record

Most states have a consumer affairs department where you can check on the financial stability and the track record of your potential insurer.

9. Review Before You Sign the Application

Read over the main areas of the application, paying special attention to all the questions and their accuracy.

10. Cancel Your Old Policy & Carry Your Proof

After you have purchased the insurance policy that you want, cancel the coverage with your existing agent. Sometimes the replacing agent may assist you with paperwork. Place your proof of insurance in your glove compartment of your vehicle.

These are important things to know when buying auto insurance. Call the team at Johnson and Associates Insurance today, and we’ll help make your buying experience as easy as can be.