6 Useful Tips That Will Help You Find A Reputable Insurance Company
We all need insurance at some time in our lives. It could be for something small, like a new fridge or washing machine. Alternatively, we may need it for something big like our car, home or a trip abroad.
When people begin to research insurance policies, they are often overwhelmed by the choices available. There are hosts of different companies, and each may have an array of different policies to choose from. First and foremost, a person needs to be confident they are dealing with a reliable company. After all, we’ve all read the horror stories about people not reading the small print or being misadvised.
This article has been written to provide six useful tips for anyone who is wanting to choose an insurance company.
1. Check Their Websites
It’s possible to learn a lot of key information by simply going online. A visit to https://www.insurdinary.ca/insurance-companies/ia-excellence/ reveals that people are wanting to know how big insurance companies are, and how long they have been going. They also want to know where they operate, and the products on offer. People want to request quotes online that are adapted for their individual circumstances.
2. Assess Their Customer Service
When people ring up for a new policy, they may immediately be put through to a salesperson. When they later make a claim, however, they may discover long telephone queues and slow response times. It’s therefore worth reading any customer reviews on the company’s website or social media pages.
Check the ‘contact us’ page on their website, too. Find out what times the phone lines are open. See if there are autobots or chatbots designed to help people 24/7. Look for FAQ pages as well.
3. Use Price Comparison Sites
When someone else has done the research for you, it can save you a lot of time. Specialist comparison sites enable people to compare different providers’ policies side by side.
Don’t be lured by the cheapest policies, however. It’s important to understand that many insurance policies have different levels of cover. For example, car insurance policies may either cover third party fire and theft or be fully comprehensive. Some contracts will include add-ons for windshield repairs or breakdown cover. What you should be seeking is value for money; the best coverage for the premium you can afford.
4. Expect Clear Documentation
Whilst the world of insurance can be quite complex, it’s key that the documentation can be understood by its customers. Have a thorough read of the paperwork before you commit. It’s essential that the pricing is clear, and that there are no hidden costs.
Once the contracts have been signed, companies usually provide ‘free look’ periods where people have several days to cancel their agreement should they wish to. It’s important to check how many days this will be, and when it starts from.
5. Use An Insurance Broker
Some brokers are employed to only represent the policies of one company. They can therefore only advise the best contract provided by them. Other brokers represent several insurance companies and can give you a wider choice. Their knowledge and expertise can help you understand the differences between the companies and their products. They will also have experience of what it’s like to deal with each individual company.
It’s still important that you stay in control of the process. Make your own research too, and don’t feel bullied into accepting a specific policy. If either an insurance company or a broker seems reluctant to divulge information and answer your questions, this should ring alarm bells.
6. Review Their Industry Reputation
It may be that family or friends have dealt with a specific company. They can then recommend them…or not! We have already mentioned that customer reviews on social media and the company’s website can be helpful. The latter may also disclose any accreditation or awards the company has received. They could be Facebook or Google ratings, or be from insurance-related organizations. It can also be beneficial to see which company they use to do the underwriting.
Other websites may review specific insurance companies. They may rate their customer service, and how quickly payouts are made. They may also discuss their financial standing.
Whilst it will take time to conduct the research, it will pay off in the end. Once a reputable company has been found, it will be easier to acquire a suitable policy. You will have the peace of mind that you are now covered and that the company will be there for you should you need them.
