Cheap Insurance Secrets
If you're like most people, you just kind of want to get insurance and then pay your monthly statements so you can be safe from costly damages. You don't want to spend a lot of time reading or researching the different types of coverage, how much each type costs, or which is best for your situation.
In this article, we're going to talk about some cheap insurance secrets that will save you time and money in the long run. One of these secrets is using a public library as your agent! We'll also discuss quotes and coverage comparisons so that you always know what's going on with your premiums.
Before we get started, I want to direct you to a great article I wrote on the topic of cheap auto insurance quotes. You can find that article by clicking here. It's a little more detailed than what we'll talk about in this article, so I recommend reading both if you have time.
Public Library Services as Insurance Agents
Most people don't realize that somewhere in your town or city there is probably an agency available to you for free – the public library! For example, here's a list that comes straight from my local library:
1) Auto Insurance: Get free quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare rates by completing an application. You may be able to receive up to a $50 credit on your insurance bill as well as an identification number for medical claims. They even teach you how to check your policy online!
2) Homeowner's Insurance: The library has a free home insurance program that can be used by any resident of the town. You can get quotes and read about the availability of insurance. It also offers assistance in understanding the details of any policy including adding extra coverage options. Access is by appointment only, but there are typically 2 agents available at once who can answer questions and help walk you through when available. (This service is not available online.) For more information, call (603) 539-6864 x17 or visit http://www.miltonlibrary.org/library/forms-resources/insurance/.
Some public libraries have insurance agents who can answer questions and help walk you through claims when available, but this service is not generally available (and the above link does not work). A big benefit of using a public library for your auto and home insurance is that it can be accessed at no charge. This is huge savings for a lot of people!
Here's another example of what you can do at your local library:
1) Credit Cards: You'll find a large collection of credit card applications at your library. They also offer free assistance with installment plans, payment options, etc.
2) Banking: Your local library branch can help you with better banking options. This is especially helpful if you're not comfortable talking with someone directly at the bank or if you don't have a branch nearby. Additionally, your library can help you switch to digital statements and monitor your accounts more effectively at no cost.
3) Home Buying: You may be surprised to learn that the local library offers some free services for home buyers. For example, my local branch offers information on mortgages and home buying opportunities at no cost (in fact, they have a large collection of helpful pamphlets).
4) Taxes: If you're working on taxes or have questions about how a different policy would affect your tax filings, your local library can probably help. Most libraries have tax preparers available that offer at least free advice and consultations.
You'll likely be able to find some type of insurance offered at your nearby library – even if it's just information and assistance. The biggest advantage is that it's free! Maybe there is a service not listed here that you would like to see? Leave a comment below and I'll see what I can do about adding it to the list!
The Library as Your Agent? Yes!
As a general rule, I don't recommend using the library directly for your insurance needs. This is because they don't offer a broad range of options. However, I do think using the library in conjunction with other services is a perfect option for some people.
For example, let's say you're buying a house and need insurance to protect your new possessions. Here are my thoughts on how to use the library to get affordable coverage:
1) Get one of the free auto insurance quotes from the public library here: http://www.miltonlibrary.org/library/forms-resources/insurance/. This service will usually be available until at least 6 p.m., but may not be available every day. You'll receive a list of up to five insurance companies that have auto insurance available in your area.
2) Call each company on your list and ask about their coverage options. Explain that you found the library's quote service and want to find out more about what types of coverage they offer. Explain that you want to compare their policies so you can make sure they are the best option for your situation. This step is important because it will help you narrow down which quotes are worth buying! Before calling, make sure you have a clear understanding of what each policy covers, how much it costs, and how much it will cost per month (and year). Then call back to get a quote from one company or keep bouncing between every possible carrier.
3) I recommend that you compare the quotes and then call back again. Tell each company that you've compared their policies, but would like to talk to someone about some additional options. Explain that you would like to compare a few different options and would prefer someone who can answer any questions. Let's say I pay $300 per year for full coverage on my car. If it were just me, I wouldn't want to pay more than $300 per year for coverage, especially because it doesn't cover uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. However, if moving stuff into my new house increases the risk of being stolen or damaged, I'd feel better spending more money on the protection of my possessions. Be sure to emphasize that you'll still want to compare your other insurance options to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
The more information and assistance you can get from every company, the better understanding of what coverage you need will be. It's important to remember that every policy is different – especially when it comes down to coverage (which is the most important factor).
4) Once you've reviewed your quotes, apply for one and be sure to tell them about all other quotes you received. If price is the only difference, they may be able to help you save money on your insurance policy. (In some cases, this makes sense. In others, it can get pretty complicated.
Conclusion
I think it's important to have insurance in your home and for your possessions. I also realize that getting insurance can be a complicated process. For these reasons, I think using the library is a convenient way to get help with everything from applying for an insurance policy to understanding what is covered and how much you should pay.
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Cheap Insurance Secrets