Getting an Auto Insurance Quote Made Easy

Have you ever procrastinated making a phone call because you don't know what information you need or because it just seems overwhelming? For instance, you want to call to get quotes for your auto insurance; where do you start? Following are the several pieces of information any insurance agent needs to complete an auto quote. As a licensed insurance agent, I know it saves you time by being prepared prior to your call.

Personal Information
After the agent gets your name, address and phone number, they will need to know all the drivers living in your home. They'll need each driver's date of birth and social security number in order to verify accidents and violations. Although, the agent will have to run reports to confirm driving records, it's still a benefit to know. What if something shows up on a driver's record that is wrong? Better to know than not to know and then you can correct it with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Vehicles
Now, locate your Declaration Page from your current carrier. You get this page at each renewal, which is every six months or once a year depending on your current carrier. If you don't have all the cars in your house memorized, you'll find them on this page as well as the VIN (vehicle identification number consisting of 17 characters). Some companies don't put the VIN on the Dec Page but you can find it by looking at your vehicle; it's on the driver's side dashboard and only viewable from the outside looking in.

Current coverages
Companies will give you a lower rate when your current bodily injury liability limits are $100,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence. Even if you have a $50,000/100,000 bodily injury liability, you'll still get a lower rate than if you're carrying the state minimum coverage's for your state (example: Ohio requires $12,500 per person/$25,000 per occurrence).

Here's your quick list to help prepare you for your phone calls

Drivers: dates of birth, Social Security numbers, accidents or violations

Cars: Year, make, model, VIN

Declarations Page from current carrier

You're now ready to burn up the phone lines and get as many auto insurance quotes as you can stand. Ask for all the discounts available such as a good student discount for young drivers with a 3.0 or higher GPA or defensive driver discount for drivers over 65.

If you call one or more agency, you still need to trust your gut when buying insurance. Any company can deliver a good price but the person you're speaking with on the phone needs to be knowledgeable and helpful. These are the people you'll be working with regarding your insurance, not the brand name of the company. Pick someone you're comfortable with and with a great price and they will certainly be happy to work with you since you're so prepared.