Am I getting all of the discounts to which I am entitled?

If you have seen your rates creep up over the years, call your agent and see what ideas he or she may have. Are you taking full advantage of the discounts that the company offers? If you have your home and auto insurance with the same company, are you getting a discount? Some other questions to ask and issues to discuss are:

• I have two cars; am I getting a multi-car discount?
• Does it make sense to increase my deductibles? If your collision deductible is currently at $100, does it make sense to increase that to $500? Would you really turn in a $100 claim? Think about your own budget and what makes sense for you. Ask your agent how much money this will save you.
• Do my cars really need full coverage insurance? On an older car (over six years old) you may want to drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage and carry liability coverage only. Ask your agent what makes sense..
• Does my company give discounts for my being a nonsmoker? A non-drinker?
• Did you know that my daughter made the Dean's List? It's not just bragging, you know...your company may give discounts to youthful operators for academic achievement.

(See: So Your Child Just Got a Driver's License)

• Did you know that my car has anti-lock brakes; airbag; theft deterrent system?
• Did you know that my son took Driver's Education?
• Does the company like to write policies in my area?
• Am I with a standard carrier?
• Does the company "target" for business in my area? Do my autos fit its "preferred profile?"
• Have I received credit for my excellent past driving/claims history? (Assuming that is the case.) Your bargaining power is much better when you have a good driving record and claims history. After you have an accident is about the worst time to call around for new rates.

Overall, you want to be able to trust your agent and be able to be honest with him or her. Be completely honest and try not to leave anything out of your past five years or driving experience. Listen carefully to the questions that the agent asks; they usually aren't being nosy when they ask for information. "Forgetting" pertinent details (past tickets, accidents, violations) will only create headaches for you down the road. "Forgetting" details can result in a letter of cancellation and an agent that may not be too receptive to your dilemma. If you do get a cancellation letter and it seems to be in error (or you really forgot something) call the agent immediately. Erroneous information has been known to appear. Getting it cleared up immediately is crucial.

After you have discussed some or all of the above, if you are still not satisfied, perhaps you should do some comparison shopping.

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