Do you know if you have accident, liability, or comprehensive car insurance? Sadly, most people do not pay attention to this vital document until they have an accident and file a claim. The right automobile insurance Oregon policy can protect your assets and your own health. Thus, you must find the best insurance provider with the right coverage.
For best results, make sure you read all the fine print and understand every detail before signing. Planning well and vetting different insurance firms will ensure you can readily make a claim in case of an auto accident. Here’s what you must look for in an automobile insurance company in Oregon.
Understand The Basic Types of Coverage Offered by the Company
An auto insurance company’s reputation hinges on the coverage they offer. If you want to work with the best company, take a look at the policy coverage. You must understand different types of coverage for your automobile insurance in Oregon. To help you out, these are the basics:
- Liability Insurance: This pays for 3rd party personal injury and death-related claims. It also covers another individual’s property that occurred due to your vehicle crash. In Oregon, it is illegal to drive without liability insurance.
- Collision Insurance: As the name suggests, this pays for car repairs post-accident. If you have a car loan, this is required as you don’t own the vehicle. It belongs to the lender, so added protection is necessary in case of a car wreck.
- Comprehensive Insurance: This lives up to its name by covering everything like a flood, vandalism, fire, theft, etc. This offers the most protection.
Notably, if you paid off your car loan or bought a second-hand vehicle in cash, you may not need collision or comprehensive insurance. Assess the value of your car to make an informed decision.
Check if the Company Offers Additional Coverage Based on Your Needs
If you frequently travel for work or whatever purpose, you may also consider acquiring additional automobile insurance in Oregon. Check if the insurance company you are considering offers this. Again, these coverage add-ons are only optional. However, they do offer superior protection if you get in a collision. Take a look at the following examples:
- Full or Limited Tort: You can reduce premiums if you give up your right to sue in an accident. However, this is not a sound move, so be wary of this offer.
- Gap insurance: This pays for the difference between the car’s blue book value and whatever is left on what you owe. This is a great idea if you have a low/ no down payment or leasing the vehicle.
- Personal Injury Protection: This pays for medical bills for the owner of the policy and the passengers. However, if everyone who rides your vehicle has excellent health insurance, this is not a necessity.
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist: This proffers coverage for medical and property damage if you are involved with a motorist with no or insufficient insurance.
- Tow Services: After an accident, this covers payment for towing. However, this is not necessary if you are a member of an automobile service (like the AAA) or your car comes with roadside assistance.
- Glass Breakage: Unfortunately, some automobile insurance Oregon companies don’t cover broken glass. Even in a collision or comprehensive policy, this may not be included. Hence, you must check the fine print.
- Rental: If you frequently rent cars, this may be a great coverage option. Why? Because this assures, you’ve got a backup in case you get in an accident with a rental.
Do Your Homework and Research Different Companies
Remember, you must be a smart shopper when vetting prospects for automobile insurance Oregon. You must ensure that the policy you pay for will cover what you need all the time, including out-of-state accidents. Read the fine print to ensure you know what you’re paying for.
Notably, many small companies offer cheap rates. But the cheapest one is not always the best choice. For example, they may give you problems when you need to make an insurance claim. Thus, you need to vet different companies before making a final choice. It would help if you do the following steps:
- Ask for Referrals
Check with your family, friends, neighbors, or even colleagues about the automobile insurance Oregon that they use. This will give you the most peace of mind because someone you trust can vouch for the company.
- Check Online Reviews
Cross-check word-of-mouth recommendations with online reviews. With the power of the internet, you have access to a lot of information. Check out insurance company ratings from existing clients. Most of all, take time to read testimonials about how easy it is to secure claims once an accident occurs.
- Evaluate the Company Website
Go the extra mile to check the company’s official website. Read up on the company’s certifications, accreditation, or licenses. Of course, you want to give your premiums to a legitimate company that will come to your rescue in an accident. Moreover, check how long the company has been working in this competitive niche. Remember, longevity in a cutthroat industry proves that the company is doing a great job satisfying customers.
- Assess the Company’s Financial Rating
Finally, investigate the company’s financial standing. This will impact their ability to pay you when the need arises. A rating service like AM Best will show you how an automobile insurance Oregon company compares to rivals.
Speak With Company Representatives and Go With Your Gut
Take the time to speak with the spokesperson of a company. You want to deal with an insurance company that offers great customer service. If they take too long to reply to you during the application phase, chances are they will take longer when you make a claim. Similarly, if they are impatient asking your questions, they will be more evasive when you get into an accident.
On top of that, don’t feel ashamed to ask tons of questions. For example, if an insurance company offers discounts on your premium’s first couple of months, ask them why. Usually, companies will make up for this with higher rates in the later months. The best way to find the best car insurance policy is to select a middle ground between the price and offered services.