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14

5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Car Insurance

posted on 7/14/2021 11:28:00 AM

Expert Tips for Buying Car Insurance in Wisconsin All About The Car PodcastThe concept of insurance was started by Benjamin Franklin in 1751. Back then, it was used to protect buildings and property from fire damage. Fast-forward about 270 years, though, and it seems like there’s an insurance policy for anything and everything (like a quarterback’s arm, for example). Rates, bundles, discounts, policies...where do you start, and how can you be sure you’re getting the best auto insurance for you, your family, and your vehicle?

Our All About The Car Podcast Team sat down with Nick Arnoldy and Cory Hoffmann of Marshfield Insurance to get the nitty-gritty details on auto insurance. Read on for expert advice – and 5 things you probably didn’t know – about car insurance! Plus, listen to the full conversation in the podcast episode below.
 

 
1. Auto Liability Insurance is Mandatory in the State of Wisconsin 
 
While insurance is always a smart investment, holding an auto insurance policy is not required in every state...but almost! Wisconsin, which made it mandatory in 2010 (the 48th state in the U.S. to do so), requires drivers to have liability insurance. If you’re caught without it, you’re subject to a fine. Collision insurance is not necessarily required, though – your bank or financial institution will determine whether you need this coverage.
 
2. When Shopping for Car Insurance, Start by Researching Insurance Agents 
 
When in the market for insurance, it's easy to focus on the policies. While this is important, we actually suggest starting by doing homework on local insurance agents. When you find someone who is experienced, knowledgeable and easy to communicate with, the rest becomes much easier. Here’s what to look for in an insurance agent: 
 
  • Tenure – how long have they been in the business? 
  • Professional Designations – do they have areas of emphasis? How are they involved in the industry and community? 
  • Office Details – do they work with a captivated agency (sell one brand of insurance) or an independent agency (sell multiple brands of insurance)? 
  • Reviews – check out reviews from clients online. Think Google and Facebook! 
  • Financial Strength – how established and stable is the agency? We suggest no less than an A- rated carrier. 
  • Claim Satisfaction Rating – how happy are clients with the outcome of claims? An agency with 98-99% claim satisfaction is very promising.  
3. The More You Communicate with Your Insurance Agent, the Better! 
 
Having open, honest and frequent communication with your agent is key. The more your agent understands your needs and priorities, the easier it will be to find the best insurance policy for your vehicle. A few things your agent will help you with include: 
 
  • Determining what’s important to you and your family 
  • Sorting through insurance options, bundles, and features 
  • Finding the carrier best suited for you and your needs 
  • Answering any questions and keeping you updated on changes or new offerings 
4. There are Many Ways to Keep Your Insurance Cost Down 
 
No one likes paying for insurance. The good news is there’s no shortage of options to help keep your payments reasonably-priced! Here’s a few things you should always ask your agent about: 
 
  • Discounts – many plans offer reduced pricing through occupational discounts, good student discounts or paid-in-full discounts. Always ask your agent! 
  • Keep a Clean Record – a history of accidents, violations and claims will increase your insurance cost 
  • Credit Score – Having a higher credit score has been shown to correlate with a lower number of claims, resulting in a more affordable cost for you 
  • Distance & Frequency of Travel – Driving less frequently or traveling fewer miles can help decrease your policy rate. For instance, if you drive 2 miles to work, you may be able to pay less than someone who travels 45 minutes each way. 
  • Dashboard Cameras – these gadgets can be helpful in the case of an accident with no witnesses 
5. Different Vehicles Qualify for Different Insurance Rates 
 
It’s True! Each vehicle make and model will have a specific rate associated with it. High performance cars, for instance, are subject to more expensive rates. So are vehicles prone to theft and those that are more costly to repair. Where you live makes a difference, too – areas with higher traffic volume tend to be more expensive that rural areas. For these reasons, it is recommended that you get an auto insurance quote before buying a car. Getting the insurance quote beforehand will eliminate any costly surprises after the purchase! 
 
While auto insurance might not be very exciting, it’s a necessary, intelligent investment that will help protect yourself, your family and your finances. Plus, if you do your research and find a great agent, the process can be painless! Don’t forget to listen to the All About The Car Podcast above for additional tips, tricks and little-known facts about auto insurance. Plus, the team takes a Wisconsin Road Trip to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI!
 
To listen to previous episodes, find additional resources or send our team a message, head to AllAboutTheCarPodcast.com.  
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