Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy… No, you’re not about to go into a rap battle, you’re just trying to switch your car insurance.
We get it – it can be very intimidating to shop and switch car insurance companies. Which is why we are here to be your guide. We want you to be aware of the process of switching car insurance, the benefits of switching, as well as when to switch your car insurance.
Why switch car insurance companies?
Switching your car insurance can lower your monthly premium. Consider switching your car insurance if:
- Your insurance premium is getting higher
- You are buying a new vehicle
- You are moving to a different zip code
- You are getting married
- You are adding a new driver to your policy
- You are buying a new home
- You are approaching your renewal date
- You are experiencing poor customer service
Bottom line is, if there is a change on your driving profile, get quotes from different auto insurance companies to make sure you have the best coverage at the best price. Not sure where to start? We’ll shop for you! Request a quote today.
When to switch auto insurance companies?
You may switch at any time of the coverage, from the start of the policy until before the policy term ends. You may want to ask your existing insurance company first if they have cancellation fees for a certain time frame. Most companies allow switching without additional charges, but this is not always the case. You may want to wait for your policy to end before switching.
We recommend you to at least get a quote once every policy term to make sure you always have the best price with the best coverage. Although you can switch car insurance companies at any time, it does not mean that you should do it always. Some companies offer loyalty discounts if you stay longer with them. Check with your Insurance Advisor to see if you could benefit from one of these discounts.
How to Switch Car Insurance in 5 Easy Steps
1. Shop Around and Compare Auto Insurance Companies
First thing to do is to shop around to find a better rate than your existing premium. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different insurance providers. This will allow you to compare the rates, coverage, and policy discounts. Research about the companies’ customer service and claims experience and check out their client reviews.
When you shop around, prepare the following details that the insurance agencies may ask for.
- Vehicle Year, Make, and Model
- Address where the car will be stored
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Driver’s License
Phew, that’s a lot to do! That’s why there are local independent insurance companies, like G&G Independent Insurance, to help you save time and money. G&G has an in-house software that lets them shop over 50+ insurance companies to find the best rates with the best coverage quickly. See if you could save money today!
2. Purchase your Car Insurance Policy
Now that you have chosen your auto insurance company provider, schedule the policy to begin at least one day before the expiration of your existing insurance plan. This is to make sure that you do not have any gap between the two. Having a gap at any time can make your insurance premium higher in the future.
3. Cancel your Previous Insurance Policy
Once you have purchased the new policy, It is now time to contact your insurance provider to cancel your insurance. It is important that you cancel your previous policy instead of just not paying the premium to make sure they won’t bill you in the future. If you work with G&G, once you sign up with your new insurance policy, we will request the cancellation for you.
4. Get your proof of insurance
The next step is to print your insurance ID under your new policy and have a copy in your wallet or in your vehicle. Some states allow a digital copy of your ID, but it is better to be safe than sorry and have a hard copy in case your phone has no battery. If you are ever in an accident or get stopped by law enforcement, you have something to show to them.
5. Let your lender know
Inform your lender right away if you have a car loan. These companies require a certain amount of insurance coverage. Since it is still under a loan, the lending company has a financial stake in your car. Let them know that the previous insurance was cancelled and inform them of your new insurance policy details.
Switching car insurance can help you lower your monthly premium which is why it is a good practice to shop around at least once per policy term. Shopping for car insurance policies from different companies is tedious and time-consuming but thankfully, with G&G, we’re here to help you with the shopping and switching. Get a quote from G&G today and see if you could save!
