Using an independent insurance agent will get you the best coverage to protect your family in an automobile accident, and at the best price
I’m frequently asked about the single best tip I can give to people to lower their auto insurance.
Now that I’ve listed each of my attorney recommendations for the best and worst car insurance companies in 2015, I wanted to share one quick tip that can save you money on your policy – as well as help you make sure you’re getting the best coverage to truly protect you and your family if you’re ever involved in a serious car accident:
Talk to an independent insurance agent.
“Captive” agents work only for one insurance company. If that insurance company doesn’t offer a great coverage that you really should have – such as underinsured motorist coverage – then you’re out of luck. A captive agent doesn’t even have to disclose this coverage exists. And an agent who works for only one specific insurance company can only sell you on that company’s insurance, regardless of whether it’s the most appropriate, the most comprehensive or has the best value.
On the other hand, independent insurance agents are great resources because they can quote insurance coverage from many auto insurance companies at once to find the best price. They’re not “captive” or beholden to one insurance company only. They can collect and compare information from a wide array of auto insurers.
Good places to start to find independent agents include the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc.
When you speak with an independent insurance agent, explain that you want to buy Michigan auto insurance and you’d like quotes from multiple companies. The coverage you will want quotes for includes: Michigan mandatory No Fault; broad-form, standard and limited collision.
What is the best coverage to get to protect your family if you’re involved in a serious auto accident?
As an attorney, I know auto accidents will happen. So you need to make sure you have the insurance to protect you before it happens.
Make sure to ask for uninsured motorist; underinsured motorist; and umbrella insurance. These are the three most important coverages.
You want to ask or an amount that’s significantly higher than the statutory minimum insurance policy limits. Our attorneys recommend at least $500,000 in UM and UIM coverage. You will be pleasantly surprised at the inexpensive cost of UM/UIM. For the price of a movie ticket and popcorn, you can properly protect you and your family if you’re ever injured by an underinsured driver.
Also, uninsured coverage is critical if you drive in cities like Detroit or Flint, where approximately one in two drivers are driving uninsured. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you’re basically just playing Russian roulette that the person who smacks into your car is insured. And you will be stuck with whatever policy limits he or she has.
For more information about buying car insurance coverage in Michigan, please visit our resource center here.
Our full guide includes more information on each insurer and tips on how to choose the insurance company that’s right for you and your family. You can order a hard copy of the guide or download it for your Smartphone.
