Getting the Right Insurance

There is no one size fits all when it comes to getting insurance. That is why with some planning you can ensure getting a Texas insurance quote will not be left to chance. You deserve the best.

• Adequate level of coverage: Anyone in Texas would agree that a diamond collection or coin collection can be extremely valuable. In some cases, each could be worth more than the home where it is stored. Don't expect a regular homeowners or renters policy to be enough to cover such a loss. After getting an appraisal of the items, get an endorsement added to a policy that reflects what should be paid to the owner should a loss occur. Any insurance quote should reflect what is necessary to replace the valuable items.
• Deal with licensed agents: Look past the promises and prices before you agree to terms of an insurance quote. Make sure the agents and the companies they represent are licensed. Additionally, many are members of a guaranty association that will pay a claim if a member suddenly is declared insolvent. If there is any question whether the company has faced any types of complaints, Texas consumers can turn to the state Department of Insurance. There is a Consumer Help Line available at 1-800-252-3439. Also, there is a Web site available at www.tdi.state.tx.us.

• Get more than one quote: Ask for several Texas insurance quotes before making a decision on which policy is best. Make sure to look beyond the total prices of the policies. Look closely to make sure coverage cited in each is the same. Paying a little extra for one could give much more coverage than another. Texans with Web access can do their own comparisons of sample homeowners, renters and vehicle policy rates by visiting www.helpinsure.com, which is a service of the Texas Department of Insurance and Office of Public Insurance Counsel.
• Tell the truth: It's nearly impossible to get an accurate insurance quote without giving honest answers to the agent completing your application. Without knowing the truth, the consumer could get the wrong premium price and the wrong coverage. Also, if the answers are not truthful, the Texans may have their applications rejected or later their coverage could be cancelled.
• Don't forget discounts: Don't be shy about asking for the discounts. Your quote for insurance could be a lot less if there are price breaks offered. Having smoke detectors in a home can bring savings. A Texas high school student earning good grade could earn a discount on an auto policy. Nonsmokers also are getting lower premium rates.
• Turned down? Keep looking: Insurance companies don't use the same rule book. When determining a quote for your insurance policy, you might be rejected. But that's not the end. Far from it, in fact. Ask other companies for quotes until you find what you need for coverage. You might get something even better than the company that turned you down could offer.