Shopping for insurance is a little different than shopping for new clothes or furniture. Holiday sales, or last chance deals are not available for insurance. The best time to shop for insurance actually depends on your current policy and the reason you would like to switch.
Begin Shopping Once Renewal is Received
The date your policy is scheduled to renew is the best time to switch insurance. Renewal paperwork usually comes in the mail approximately 30 to 45 days in advance of your actual renewal date. Once you receive your renewal paperwork it gives you a heads up of what your future rates are going to be. If you are seeing a major change in your insurance rates, it may signal, it’s time to buy insurance through a different carrier or at least merit a phone call to your agent. Begin shopping for insurance once you review your renewal paperwork.
Perks to Shopping Ahead of Renewal
- You will have the most recent copy of your declarations page
- Clean break from your current insurance company by switching at the renewal
- Shopping ahead of your renewal date could potentially get you an extra discount
Your declarations page is important when shopping for insurance because it verifies your current coverage. Your declarations page provides proof of prior insurance which is required to get a preferred insurance rate. Also it will allow an accurate comparison between your current coverage and quotes you receive. If you do not have a current copy of your declarations page get one from your agent before shopping.
Switching at your renewal gives you a clean break from your prior insurance company. As long as you haven’t made recent changes to the policy, nobody should owe anyone money. Insurance companies also often reward clients who shop ahead of time with an advanced quote discount. Typically, this discount is given if you shop more than eight days ahead of your switch date. Shopping ahead portrays you as a responsible client, which is exactly what insurance companies are looking for in a potential client.
Shop Anytime
It is possible to switch your insurance at any point in time. For instance, if you are frustrated with your current agent because nobody ever answers the phone or returns your call, now might be the best time for you to shop for insurance. Most of the time, as long as you have had your insurance policy for a few months, a penalty fee is not charged for switching midterm. You will be refunded any unused premium within a couple of weeks of cancellation.
Tips for Shopping Midterm- Keep your payments up to date
- Have a good payment date in mind
- Give a little more than a week spread between shopping and switching
It is important to keep payments up to date with your current insurance company because if you fall behind and then cancel the policy, you are still responsible for all the days you were insured. It can be a hassle getting the last payment into the company and if it goes over looked it could go to collections. Having your payment current will make for a smoother transition.
Switching insurance midterm gives you the opportunity to pick the day of the month you'd like your payments to be due. Insurance companies typically set your due date the day of purchase. For example, if you start your new policy on the third of the month, the third will be your new due date. It is possible to change your payment date with most companies, but why not kill two birds with one stone and preselect your payment date and starting your policy at that time?
Even though shopping for insurance may not be your idea of fun, it can really pay off. The best time to shop for car insurance is shortly after receiving your renewal paperwork. But, don't let that stop you from switching midterm if the situation warrants a quick switch.
