Thought this may be both insightful & helpful!!

INSTRUCTIONS: Don’t shop for your auto insurance by price alone. You get what you pay for (sometimes). If you are renewing your insurance policy soon or are shopping for insurance, here are a few key questions that you should ask the agent or company you are dealing with, before you spend your hard-earned money.

Have your agent or insurance salesperson take this “POP QUIZ “ and sign it. You should retain a copy so that if you need to collect for an accident or problem you will have some documentation to fall back on.
  • If I have an accident, will I be able to obtain repairs at the shop of my choice and have the bill paid in full (less my deductible), or will the insurance company try to direct me to a cut-rate shop, or one of their so-called “ preferred “ shops, (preferred for price only and not for quality, service or guarantee of repairs). I am buying insurance to protect MY investment, not jeopardize it, right?
  • Will the insurance that you are selling me, pay to repair my vehicle with genuine original equipment parts (OEM) or will you want to use aftermarket, generic, UN-crash tested parts that are inferior in quality, fit and safety?
  • Will the insurance company depreciate repairs to my car based on the year of the car or mileage? If so, how much and what parts are subject to depreciation?
  • If depreciation is a factor, do I get a reduced rate for insurance as my car gets older? How much? If depreciation is a factor, will I be able to recover the value my car has lost as a result of the accident (also known as diminished value). (Good luck with this one).
    If I have an accident, will my insurance rates go up? How much? Why?
  • Will my insurance rates increase when I reach a certain age? Many senior citizens are afraid to turn in an insurance claim and end up paying for repairs themselves. They are afraid that the insurance company will drop them. Do I have your assurance that I won’t be dropped if I file a claim?
  • What will the insurance company pay me if my vehicle is a total loss? How is this figure determined?
  • Do I have coverage for a rental vehicle if my vehicle is in a repair shop? (This coverage is usually inexpensive to buy, ask specifically if you want to have this coverage.) Do I have enough rental coverage to get a vehicle comparable to my own, and will it cover all the days my car is in the shop?
  • How much money do I really save on my premium each year with a higher deductible? (Not as much as your insurance company would lead you to believe.)
  • Is the price you are quoting me a firm figure or will there be additional hidden costs during the term of this policy?

REMEMBER, quality and safety in any repair protects your family and your investment.

Lastly.........Selecting the right repair facility is very important.