Published: November 11, 2011

Are you interested in obtaining auto insurance quotes but lost or confused on the process? Is everyone offering you 20% off? Shouldnt the auto insurance quote be free by the time they give you all the discounts? How does all of this work? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s on Auto Insurance specifically in Denver Colorado.  

  1. Are all auto insurance carriers offering the same coverage?  State law requires that insured carry Liability coverage for Bodily Injury and Property Damage.  They also require $5k in Medical coverage (can be waived with a signiture).  Outside of this coverage, all the other coverages are elective.  Comprehensive, Collission, Uninsured Motorist for example
  2. When I am offered 20% off for discounts, what does that mean?  I love it when insurance companies offer discounts for things like Accident Free, Ticket Free, Good Student, Low mileage, Gated community, Credit, etc.  The list goes on and on.  Keep in mind that the insurance company must file its rates with the insurance commissioner.  All of them do.  So if they are offering discounts, they may be discounting already un competetive premiums in the hope that you will come on board.  There are two things to really watch when you are offered discounts from a carrier.  1.  Is the discount good at renewal?  2.  If I have a claim or a ticket, do I lose the discount?  In many cases, you lose discounts as fast as they are willing to put them on.  So, dont be fooled by insurance companies offering discounts on auto insurance over, and over, and over….
  3. Are renewal rates different then new business rates for auto insurance with the insurance commissioner?  The answer is yes.  You can have a rate of $600.00 every 6 mths on your car and then at renewal, for no reason, your auto rate could go up.  That is because renewal rates can vary as they are reported differently with the insurance commissioner.  This is really apparant if you have a ticket or accident in the first term of a policy.  Watch your rate sky rocket! In many cases
  4. Is buying auto insurance online ok?  Or, should I call an agent?  This is a great question and one that is changin daily in the auto insurance industry.  Most clients, about 80%, will go online to begin their auto insurance shopping, however, more then 70% will call an agent or a carrier directly to speak with someone.  The problem with buying insurance directly and not through an agent is that often times the coverages are not what you need!  Saving money is not always the best option!
  5. How can an advertisement for auto insurance tell you they can save you money, as much as 20%, when they dont even know what you need?  If you have a home and assets to protect, why would you want low liabiltiy limits?  Just to save money?  If you are in an accident, you run the risk of losing all your assets…
  6. Do I go with Liability only or full coverage on my auto?  My rule is that if your car is not financed and has more then 125k miles on it or is older then 12 years, go with Liability only.  The amount of coverage in the event of an accident will be lower the older the car gets because the policy is based on Actual Cash Value, not replacement value.
  7. Who has the best auto insurance in Colorado?  Yes we are independent local agents and yes we quote policies on a daily basis.  I get this question asked a lot because clients want to know what I recommend.  The answer is, it depends on your variables, not what we guess.  With over 100 variables going into one auto rate, it is tough to predict.  Travelers Insurance, Safeco Insurance, Progressive Insurance, Allied Insurance and Kemper Insurance all do very well in Colorado. 
  8. Does credit play a role in my auto insurance?  Why?  Yes, Yes, Yes.  Credit is becoming the #1 driving factor for auto insurance premiums.  The reason is that insurance companies can prove statistically that if you have poor credity, your more likely to get into an auto accident.  If they can prove it,  you will pay for it!  Most carriers do offer reductions at renewal but they do not run your credit at each renewal term.  Ask your agent for some additional options if your credit has improved.  Can make a huge difference in saving money on your auto insurance. 
  9. Why an independent insurance agent vs a captive agent?  What is the difference.  A captive agent sells one product with one company.  They sell on value!!!  But what if the product is not competetive?  Does it get more valuable the more expensive it is?  The answer typically is no.  Of course if you add coverage, you add value and the premium goes up.  However, if you dont had coverage and the premium goes up, did you gain value?  No.  An indpendent agent represents multiple companies that also have value.  You can keep value and coverage and save on premium with a good independent agent.  They work for you, not the insurance company.
  10. Where do I get started on looking for rates and where do I go to buy auto insurance?  I would recommend that you start with a rating engine online that allows you to quote multiple companies.  Be prepared though, because when you hit submit, several agents are getting emails to call you to look at your policy.  This can get quite annoying.  Another option is to individually call 5 leading auto insurance companies and ask them for a fax or email address.  Send them the information and have them get back to you with a quote.  This seems to be more personal because you are choosing the agent.  Lastly, I would recommend calling an ageny like www.rickclineagency.com.  We have access to a comparative rater and get rates wtih leading companies fast.  Same day binding authority and great service.