When is the right time to switch auto insurance companies?
When you start looking over the family finances, that moment rarely coincides with the months your insurance policies, cable or cell phone contracts are set to renew. In fact, you're more likely to make this financial review during times of the year when you need to budget for events - like Christmas, or when school tuition bills come due.
Trying to schedule a time to review your budget just doesn't work. But the good news is, reviewing and switching auto insurance policies is easier than you think. So if you're reviewing your family budget due to a job change, life change or even an automobile change, you can compare car insurance quotes at any time of the year - even if your policy hasn't come due.
It's best to keep these details in mind when searching for car insurance quotes online:
* If you decide to switch companies, many states might require you to have your new insurance company signed on the dotted line before you leave your old one. Even if your state doesn't require this, you don't want to have a gap in coverage that could leave your family open to unnecessary risk. Communicate with both your old carrier and your new carrier to make sure you're completely covered through the entire process, but not double-insured.
* Make sure you cancel your coverage with your old carrier - don't just stop paying the premiums. If you don't contact your old carrier, they may assume that you're in default, which could lead to negative reports going on your credit rating. Instead, ask your former company for information on the proper procedure to cancel your policy.
* Switching policies could take a day or two, so plan ahead.
* If you end up canceling a plan mid-policy, your insurance company will most likely prorate and refund your unused premium. But you might be charged administration fees.
Contact an Allstate agent or visit www.Allstate.com for more information about how you can simply switch auto insurance policies to work with your new family budget.
Courtesy of ARAcontent