Shopping for car insurance can be a big undertaking. It can be daunting at times but is very important. There are now many ways to get yourself insured and the coverage you need.
Smart customers know it pays to do a little research before buying car insurance. Just based on the price of the insurance rates today, why not take the time to check the rates with several companies. Researching companies holds true for renewals as well. You can get a feel for the insurance market and find out if you have the best rates. If your current policy is already cheaper you know you are doing all right.
The first and best way to find out what is out there is to go through your local yellow pages. Most, if not all, companies will give you quotes right over the phone. This way you can run down the list and get multiple rates right away. One thing to remember is to compare apples to apples. This means make sure you are getting the price for the same type of coverage.
Full coverage for one company is not the same as for another. Limits are important to look at as well. Bodily injury with company A may be a little cheaper then B but their coverage may be only 10,000/20,000 while B's is 100,000/300,000. You want to make sure you are aware of the coverage you are have and that you want the type of insurance you are getting a rate for. You can always adjust your policy up or down to meet your needs. Before adjusting it down consider that you may save a few dollars now by lowering coverage but during a claim be unhappy that the limits paid are lower then your damages. Always, always buy as much insurance as you can afford.
Another way to find companies in your area is to go online (www.insuredbysteve.com) . The Internet is an excellent tool to help you shop around. You can look up many carriers and may even be able to run quotes yourself. There is no waiting on hold and you can usually do it 24 hours a day. You do not have to wait for an agent to help you or call you back if he or she is busy. You can print out lists and easily compare prices.
Online you can also check the credentials of the company. You can look to see how long they have been in business and find locations. You can find companies that are not in your local area but can serve you just as well. Some companies allow you to start your policy right on the computer for added convenience. You can get your quote, enter your information and activate your policy immediately. Proof of insurance usually can be printed right from your home computer's printer.
Driving around town may also afford you the chance to find a company that is close to you. An agency close to your home or job is convenient (877 My Insurance is located at 14575 Manchester Rd 2 miles west of highway 141). Agencies close by also let you make payments right in the office and lets you get to know your agent. This way however does give you a limited amount of choices and prices may not be as good as you may get by calling around.
Is one way better then the other? Well that is up to you. Some people just want to get the process over and done with. Some people want the best rate available. Some want the best and most coverage available. The answer is whatever is most comfortable for you is what you should go with.
Let me shop your insurance rates and find you discounts that you might realize, existed. You can do so by calling me direct at 636-410-6219 or visiting www.insuredbysteve.com
http://www.selectinsuranceteam.com/selectinsuranceblog.html
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Individual Health Insurance Reform Changes That Kick In For 2011
On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a health care reform bill into law. Here are highlights of new health insurance reform laws that will take effect on January 1, 2011 (unless otherwise indicated):
Free Preventative Care Under Medicare
Starting January 1, 2011, co-payments and deductibles can no longer be charged for preventive care medical services.
This reform will enable more senior citizens to get regular check-ups to help detect potential health problems. When people with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are diagnosed earlier, faster treatment can aid in the prevention of long-term complications of treatable diseases which not only cost more in consumer dollars, but cost people their lives.
Medicare Part D "Donut Hole"
In 2010, Medicare recipients will only get a $250 rebate for prescription drugs. However, beginning in 2011, seniors on Medicare will get a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs while in the "Donut Hole," a gap in the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan. Medicare Part D currently covers up to $2,700 per year in prescription drug payments then stops paying for medications until costs exceed $6,100. This means Medicare Part D coverage recipients are responsible for paying all their own drug costs between $2,700 and $6,100. This gap in coverage will be eliminated completely by 2020.
Insurance Company Financial Accountability
Good-bye insurance industry executive greed. Beginning on January 1, 2011, insurance companies that provide individual and small group policies will be required to spend 80 percent of their premium dollars on medical services. Previously, insurance companies could pocket high profits without being accountable for the level of services provided to their insureds, the number of rescinded (retroactively canceled) insurance policies to avoid paying and claims, and salaries that made Wall Street fat cats look poor.
Free Preventative Care Under Medicare
Starting January 1, 2011, co-payments and deductibles can no longer be charged for preventive care medical services.
This reform will enable more senior citizens to get regular check-ups to help detect potential health problems. When people with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are diagnosed earlier, faster treatment can aid in the prevention of long-term complications of treatable diseases which not only cost more in consumer dollars, but cost people their lives.
Medicare Part D "Donut Hole"
In 2010, Medicare recipients will only get a $250 rebate for prescription drugs. However, beginning in 2011, seniors on Medicare will get a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs while in the "Donut Hole," a gap in the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan. Medicare Part D currently covers up to $2,700 per year in prescription drug payments then stops paying for medications until costs exceed $6,100. This means Medicare Part D coverage recipients are responsible for paying all their own drug costs between $2,700 and $6,100. This gap in coverage will be eliminated completely by 2020.
Insurance Company Financial Accountability
Good-bye insurance industry executive greed. Beginning on January 1, 2011, insurance companies that provide individual and small group policies will be required to spend 80 percent of their premium dollars on medical services. Previously, insurance companies could pocket high profits without being accountable for the level of services provided to their insureds, the number of rescinded (retroactively canceled) insurance policies to avoid paying and claims, and salaries that made Wall Street fat cats look poor.
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