Bryant Asset Protection

And why some things are more important than money.

Spend some time in front of your television set watching a movie, sports, home shopping channels - it doesn't matter - and you will be told over and over by a perky gecko, an edgy-looking girl in a white apron and a handsome, sincere gentleman that their insurance companies can save you hundreds on your car insurance. Now they even mention their competitors by name! Can it be true that every company can save everybody big bucks?

Well, here's the real answer. Maybe.

Insurance companies each have a very complex system for determining how much a client will pay for a given level of coverage. Your marital status, gender, age, type of car, address, level of education, driving record and credit rating can all be factored into the price quote you get for insurance. If you happen to have the "right" set of characteristics, one that is a preferred profile for a particular company, you will see a more favorable rate and maybe save money.

Have an accident? Late on a couple of credit card payments? Got a traffic ticket or two? An accumulation of incidents of this sort will mean that companies will require a higher premium from you and the savings the gecko promised you are out the window. Some companies may refuse to insure you at all.

Do not despair, however, there are still savings to be had out there even if you've committed some of the previously mentioned mistakes (and many of us have). Some companies may weigh different conditions more heavily and others less so. Even if you love the company you're currently with, new programs are often instituted - and unless you ask you may not be aware that a reduced rate may be available to you with the same company. Ask your agent to check on new programs for you from time to time to make sure you're paying the most favorable rate.

But saving money should not be the whole game when it comes to auto or any other kind of insurance you purchase. Some things should be considered even more important than cost in the majority of cases.

Coverage is the reason we buy insurance in the first place. We need to protect ourselves from financial risks associated with a traffic accident or a theft or vandalism. If you reduce your coverage intentionally or unintentionally, the consequences could be dire. Never skimp on coverage just to save money and be very careful when considering money-saving offers because they can sometimes carry a hidden reduction in coverage.

The trick here is to find the right amount and right type of coverage for your personal situation and the independent agent is the logical choice to provide you the expertise to help you make that determination. Most independent agents - like Bryant Asset Protection - represent a number of insurance companies and they can help you find the best price by shopping for you among those companies. More importantly, independent agents are experts in matters concerning coverage. A given policy may be recommended that is slightly more costly, but the difference may be worth a few dollars more because the coverage features (which can vary among companies) may be better for you in the long run.

Having a friend in the business: Having an independent agent in your corner when considering which way to go on insurance coverage or when problems occur is one element that should be as important a the cost of your insurance. Saving money is one thing, but negotiating the complexities of the claims process on your own is quite another. Independent agents will often go to bat for you if you have a disagreement with a company over a claim or even a billing issue.

From the start, rely on the expertise of the agent to help you find the right coverage at the best price and thereafter stay in contact with your agent as your life conditions change to make sure that your policies are just right for you. Having a friend in the insurance business is the absolute best way to keep your peace of mind intact and your insurance in good shape. If the worst happens, your agent will guide you through the necessary processes and make sure you are treated fairly.

Posted by Bryant Asset at 4:50 PM.