Most drivers have to pay for car insurance. The average driver spends over $1000 per year on vehicle insurance. Yet many customers feel they don’t get sufficient value for the premiums paid. Poor coverage, unwarranted rate hikes, and denied claims leave policyholders frustrated. But you take steps to maximize the return on your insurance investment. From smart shopping to proper claims handling, make sure you extract the full value provided by your policy.
Compare multiple quotes for the best rates
The easiest way to overpay is to stick with the same insurer year after year. Premiums fluctuate based on profitability, market share, and inflation. New carriers try luring customers with lowball rates too. Compare quotes every renewal period to find potential savings. Independent agents provide quotes across multiple insurers at once. Online insurance marketplaces also let you compare rates instantly. Input your details one time and review side-by-side quotes. Switching when better deals arise keeps insurers competing for your business with attractive rates.
Review options to right-size coverage
Evaluate optional endorsements to build a tailored policy. Include rental reimbursement if you can’t afford out-of-pocket rental costs during repairs. Mechanical breakdown insurance simplifies repairs for a high-mileage vehicle. Gap coverage prevents coming up short if your car is totaled. And don’t overlook rideshare coverage if you drive for Uber or Lyft. But also pare down superfluous options that provide minimal value. Decline extras like roadside assistance if you already have it through another provider. Right-sizing coverage for your needs and budget ensures maximum value.
Negotiate rates after incidents
Many drivers accept automatic rate hikes after accidents, tickets, or claims. But premiums often inflate more than the associated risk. Don’t simply accept a 10% premium increase after one minor fender bender. Call your insurer to negotiate the surcharge rate, especially for single or low-cost claims. Similarly, negotiate premium hikes after a single minor moving violation like a speeding ticket. Maintain your defensive driving commitment and request forfeiting part of the violation-triggered premium increase. With some polite haggling, your temper rate hikes that seem disproportionate to the infraction.
Question total loss decisions
Insurers are quick to declare older vehicles with moderate damage a total loss. But their formula for calculating total loss thresholds favors the insurance in Thailand. You have the right to push back on total loss calls that seem excessive relative to repair costs. Negotiate for a settlement if the vehicle retains some resale value and is restored for less than the replacement value. Involving appraisers or legal help applies more pressure to reconsider the totaling determination. Don’t hand your car over easily for salvage if other options exist.
Review policy annually for savings opportunities
Mark your calendar to reassess insurance needs annually. Higher liability limits or deductibles, dropping comp coverage, adding policy options, or qualifying for new savings all require periodic reviews. Shopping competitors and bundling home policies should be done annually as well. Don’t just renew the same policy forever. Regular tune-ups identify opportunities for savings and better coverage that accumulates exponentially over time.
