We all hear the saying, "Apples to apples." So when you say this, what do you expect? You expect something that is exactly the same to compare with what you currently have or want. Well, this phrase is uttered a lot in the insurance world. Everyone wants a quote so they can compare apples to apples. When you call or sit down with an agent or company for a quote, most people ask for the same coverage so they can compare with their current policy. Here is a thought for you to ponder though about insurance companies and policies. There is no such thing as apples to apples. While I know price is an important factor in paying for an insurance policy, it shouldn't be the only one. This is where most people get done in by an insurance company because they think they are getting the same thing they have. Some don't even know what they do have in a policy.
This may come as a surprise to a lot of people, but every insurance policy is different. This is why you are actually comparing apples and oranges. While overall, the liability limits and comprehensive and collision coverages may be the same, the contracts and features of a policy can be and most often are completely different. Whether it's auto, home, business, or specialty coverage, the policies between companies are different. If you switch insurance providers and you asked for the same coverage that you had on your previous policy, you may find out that after an accident or claim that you didn't have the coverage that you thought when you switched. Again, the liability limits and deductibles might be the same, but what about everything else?
Something to consider is if someone else is driving your car, even though you gave them permission, is there coverage for this? With some policies there might not be. Some companies are very strict in their policy as to who is covered on a vehicle and might not extend temporary coverage to others. Also, will the company you are with make the claims process easy for you or better yet, even pay the claim you just experienced?
Another thing to note on a policy is the different features. For instance, rental car coverage. Most companies offer this with their policies. However, this is something that is added and not just included in the policy. Also, the amounts may differ as to how much you will get and if you get to keep the left over money from the rental. Is there towing or roadside assistance? Do you have a glass buyback feature on your policy? The glass buyback coverage is available on our policies and I have to talk about it here because this is my favorite coverage. A lot of companies do not offer it. This is something that is an extremely beneficial feature (I know because I've had to use it 3 times). This coverage is if your windshield or any window on your vehicle is cracked, scratched, or broken and it pays to fix it. If they are able to repair the damage without replacing the window it is free of charge. If they do have to replace it you only have to pay $100 verses whatever your comprehensive deductible is, which for most people is around $500. The other nice benefit of this feature is that it does not count as a claim against you. Your rates will not increase because of it. I've seen the receipts of the times where I had a broken window. The smallest amount to replace the window was $589.56. I can tell you the other 2 amounts if you'd like another time. Just know it was a lot.
So when you are looking around at different insurance companies, there are a few things to consider.
1. Is it a respected company that is there for you when you need them?
2. What type of coverage are you getting when you are getting quotes?
3. How are the claims handled when someone experiences a loss and which ones are covered?
4. Is the agent knowledgeable on the policies they sell?
Remember, you may think you're comparing apples to apples, but you're actually comparing apples and oranges.
