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Better Than Sex Car Insurance?

That depends on your situation. But it is possible to be VERY satisfied with your car insurance carrier.

The way to start off having a happy union with your car insurer is to have a good first date. That means when you fill out the car insurance application, you don't fudge your driving record. What will happen is the insurer will issue you a rate up, or send you a change of premium notice. You may feel taken advantage of. Not a good way to start. At the same time, the car insurance carrier may find something on your driving record (maybe even an error) you don't know about.

Define your car insurance goals

Maybe you want a dedicated agent. Or you might be happy with an assigned customer rep. Or maybe just a 1800 # for changing you policy. Depending on your car insurance goals, it's possible to stay happy with 2 out of 3. Do you want a rep that gets a commission, but should always be there when claims time rolls around? Or do you want an efficient company, focused on cost cutting, that will keep your premiums low?

Can you find a carrier that has both low rates and a company that pays claims? When you get low prices and great service, that is the holy grail of car insurance.

Partnership with a Carrier

A good start is also narrowing down the field of car insurance companies until you find the right partner. The California Department of Insurance has sent out surveys that show premium cost.

California (along with Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maryland), won't allow insurance carriers to use credit score to determine your car insurance rate. Some insurers use credit scores in states that allow it. If you have imperfect credit, find an insurer that does not use credit scoring.

The insurance carrier's commitment is to keep claims low, stay competitive and make a profit. Your obligation is to pay your premiums and get your claims paid. In some cases, your goals will be the exact opposite of the insurance carriers.

Sometimes even if you stay within the insurers risk profile, the insurer might raise your rates. Like a relationship, there should be good easy communication between the carrier and yourself. Facebook, Twitter, Mobile Apps and E-mail are prevalent these days. Your insurer should use them.

Insurer Loyalty

Unlike marriage, with car insurance companies, you don't have to remain monogamous. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Money often costs too much." You don't want to overpay for car insurance for years and years. If you leave your carrier, you'll lose the 20% safe driver discount in California after 3 years. But some people are so overcharged, they still end up saving money, even losing the 20% discount.

With our site you can browse other carriers without penalty. Shop from time to time, usually at renewal and if your situation changes. Say you relocate, add, or subtract cars or drivers. Don't let your car insurer take you for granted. Keep them honest and don't let them raise your rates without shopping around.

If you do decide to separate from your insurer, know that you may be charged a cancelation penalty, unless you wait until the policy term ends. And make sure you are approved before you go an cancel your old policy. Just coordinate the start with the end dates on your policy.

I hope enjoy a long term, faithful, committed relationship from your car insurer. But if not, shop in the zip code box at the top.

In review:

• Don't lie on your car insurance application
• Decide if you want good service, prices or both
• Don't be afraid to look around at other companies rates

Written by Craig J. Casey

Financial Writer helping people with their insurance problems on the net since 1998.

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