Shopping for car insurance can feel as daunting as a trip to the dentist for many people. But fear not! With this handy checklist, you’ll be armed with all the necessary information to breeze through the process and secure the best car insurance with just one phone call.
Gone are the days of endless calls, texts, and emails to gather information. By following these steps, you’ll not only save time but also impress your insurance agent with your preparedness.
Pro-Tip: Keep a copy of your current insurance policy Declaration Page (overview of coverage) handy. You may need to share this information with the agent when getting a quote, as many companies require it.
- Driver Information: Collect the names as they appear on licenses, birthdates, and license state and numbers for all drivers in your household.
- Current Address: Provide your current physical address where you reside and park your vehicles. If you’ve lived at your current address for less than three years, have your previous address ready too.
- Home Ownership: Do you own or rent your home?
- Current Insurance Details: Share the name of your current insurance company, how long you’ve been insured with them, and your policy’s expiration date. Building a three-year consecutive insurance history can earn you the best discounts.
- Vehicle Information: Gather details like the year, make, model, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for the vehicles you want to insure, along with the registered owner’s information.
- Coverage Preferences: Decide on coverage limits, deductibles, and any optional coverage like Roadside Assistance or Rental Reimbursement.
- Driving History: Prepare a list of any driving activity over the last five years, including tickets (moving violations), claims, and accidents.
- Vehicle Usage: Specify how you use your vehicle: for commuting, pleasure, or business purposes.
- Annual Mileage: Estimate the number of annual miles per vehicle.
- Education Level: Provide the highest level of education attained by all drivers, as discounts may be available based on this.
- Occupation: Share the current occupation or retirement status of all drivers, as discounts may apply.
- Payment Plan Preference: Choose your preferred payment plan—whether you prefer to pay in full, opt for monthly automatic payments, or receive bills by mail. Discounts could be available based on your choice.
- Non-Personal Use: Disclose any non-personal use of your vehicle, such as driveshare (Uber/Lyft) or delivery services. While this may make you ineligible with some companies, honesty is key to avoid claim denials.
By having all this information ready, you’ll streamline the car insurance quoting process and increase your chances of securing the best coverage at the most competitive rates. So, take a deep breath, gather your documents, and get ready to ace your car insurance shopping!