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2019-11-04
By: Denise Koslowsky
We know how busy life is. You have too many obligations and not enough spaces open on your calendar to fit them all in. You know you need insurance and you’ve heard about these great online companies that offer low rates and best of all, you can shop and obtain the homeowner’s insurance you need without leaving home. You think you have found a convenient way to get insurance at a bargain price but have you taken the time to realize there may be little substance to the coverage you are acquiring?
We understand the desire for hassle-free insurance shopping, but we also know that it doesn’t make sense to settle for insurance that is merely good enough. You need to be driven by value and coverage. We want to offer our knowledge to help educate you so you can make better insurance choices. To help, we would like to offer a few important points:
Consider the company’s financial history
This is important especially now when natural disasters are happening more and more frequently. You need some history to know that the company who will be insuring your home with have the resources to pay your claim should a tragedy come your way. New companies that are now entering the online insurance market will not have a history of claims that demonstrates to their customers that they will be there when they need them. A company with an A rating financial rating through A.M. Best gives you the peace of mind you deserve.
Will anyone be there when you need them?
For some, it may be very appealing to fill out a form, receive a quote and accept the insurance without ever speaking to a person. Unfortunately for companies with strictly an online presence, that may also mean that you will not be able to speak to a person when you need them the most. When a pipe bursts in your apartment, causes damage to your possessions and leaves you needing alternative accommodations while the repairs are made, you are going to want a friendly voice to let you know that they are with you and that everything will be okay.
Be careful of coverage limits
A typical homeowners insurance policy will cover your home from damage and will offer protection for the contents of your home and if someone is injured on your property, but there are limits. If you are a collector or own some expensive jewelry you will want to be sure your valued items are fully protected in the event of a loss.
There are details no form can understand
Insurance can be confusing and making sure that you have comprehensive coverage that suits your lifestyle is not a simple thing. Filling out forms online is easy but the forms will not ask you the kind of questions that reveal gaps in the coverage and help you understand the limits on your coverage. Working with an experienced insurance agent can reveal scenarios you had never considered. Chances are they’ve seen a lot and can help you learn a thing or two about the type of coverage that would benefit you.
Read the reviews
Sometimes you see a commercial on TV, or maybe you overhear a friend talking about a deal they got, or you read an article online that leads you to believe an insurance company is worth looking into. Go ahead and do your research, just make sure you read reviews from customers who have actually worked with the company. It is especially important to read reviews from people who have gone through the claims process. We have heard horror stories and would not want anyone to have that experience.
The Bottom Line
Advocate Brokerage will obsess about providing the best coverage for your specific insurance needs. We never want our customers to settle for insurance that is good enough; instead, we want you to choose coverage that is good for you. We want you to be driven by value and coverage rather than price and convenience. We take the time to vet the companies we work with so we can stand behind our carrier’s financial ratings, customer service, and claims handling. It may take a little more time than filling out an online form, but when you work with us, you will be presented with coverage options that suit your needs, are good for you and will be there for you when the worst occurs.
