2017 is here. With the calendar change comes optimism about what the future holds. For many, it is a time to capitalize on this hype as the jumpstart of a new resolution.
While the newfound motivation can be beneficial for some in picking up a goal, not all resolutions are made equal. And yet, countless numbers of people flock to sports stores and nutrition shops to check out the newest and hippest products on the market. As if that old treadmill gathering dust under your bed is not proof enough of the need to withhold from impulses.
Still, the new year offers us a time to reconsider our priorities. Rather than filling up a grocery cart with exercise equipment you will forget about by February, try out these money-saving insurance resolutions:
Update your auto insurance coverage
There's nothing magical about January 1. It is just another 24-hour period like any other day. But being day 1 on our calendar makes it a convenient time to look over your car insurance policy. Plenty can change in a year, and those changes may impact the coverage you are carrying. Be sure to review the deductibles you have elected to see if they are still reasonable. A higher deductible can mean a lower monthly payment, but you will have to pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim. Be sure to review your insurance coverage carefully to decide if the amount of insurance you carry is too much or too little. Remember that insurance is a safety net, so it is best to not cut back where you need it the most.
Check for discounts on your insurance policies
Although your insurance premiums are based on a number of factors, including the vehicle insured, the city you live in, and where you park, none are as important as your driving record. If you have gone a long period of time without filing a claim, check to see if your good driving qualifies you for a discount. While you are at it, you may find that you are driving less than your insurance company assumes. Less time on the road can mean less risk, so look into bringing your premium rate down. And if you have a student on your policy with a solid grade point average, ask your insurer if they offer a good student discount. Some discounts may require that you pick up your phone and give your insurance company a call, but the time and effort it takes can pay off, literally.
Review insurance literature so you understand your coverage
Although you should have read your insurance paperwork before you signed the policy, the brain can only contain so much information at a time. Now is as good a time as ever to open that file cabinet or download that pamphlet. Pull up a chair and get yourself a drink, you might be here a while. The best time to understand your relationship with your insurance provider is before filing a claim, so make sure to read the fine print. If there is some part of your policy you do not understand, call your insurance company and ask for clarification. Insurance jargon is not the easiest to understand. Thankfully, in the age of the internet, a quick Google search can be the difference between filing a claim your insurance company has prohibited and switching to another provider.
Look at the options available to you
While we are on the subject on switching insurance companies, the new year may be a time to rethink your loyalty. If you have been with a company over an extended period of time and your loyalty to them is not paying off, it may be time to check out their competitors. Plenty of companies provide comparable services and coverages for a lower cost or for the added benefit of convenient apps. While only you can decide what is important in an insurance company, certain perks may not be worth the policy. If your phone is glued to your hand and your insurance policy is not easily viewed through a high-quality app, it may be time to rethink your policy. If that birthday phone call is more of a nuisance than the cost of paying an agent is worth, look into other companies. You may find that you do not switch at all, so there is no harm in capturing a few quotes.
Resolve to speak to an attorney if you are involved in a car accident
A car accident is not easy to get over, no matter how small the damage may seem. If you have been injured in a car accident, and you think another driver may have been at fault, you need to consult an experienced attorney to see if you have a case. Extensive damage to your vehicle and injury to your person can be life-altering situations. Whether the other driver was distracted or (worse) drunk, or you believe your accident may have been due to a defective mechanism, you may find relief from the pain, suffering, loss of wages, and piling bills. Do not wait until the problem gets worse. Be sure to have an attorney evaluate your case to determine if you are able to file a lawsuit.
These five New Year's insurance resolutions may give you a break from your goal of quitting Starbucks' Frappuccino, all while saving you money and ensuring your coverage is up-to-date with your needs. So go ahead and indulge a little.
While we at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA hope you have a safe 2017, we understand that life doesn't always go our way. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, call us at (727) 451-6900 or email us through our Contact Us page to schedule your free consultation. At Dolman Law, we work to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your damages, and we don't get paid unless you do.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 451-6900