Ever been told (likely by a commercial) that getting a free car insurance quote is easy, fast and convenient?  Well it isn’t.  If you happen to have a chance to call for a quote, expect to wait on hold until an agent is free and then spend time going through your entire driving record.  If you are looking online in the hopes of comparing quotes quickly, you better have all the necessary information including the exact date you acquired your license and other small details you have likely forgotten.

If you are calling to make a claim, be prepared for the rumoured increase in rates, but always be on your best behaviour or you risk having the person on the receiving end of your rant make you pay for it—literally.



What You Will Need

Insurance companies need to know your history.  To help save time, have all of your current insurance information nearby so you can refer to it for any answers you need.  The type of information they are looking for includes any claims you have made, your driving record, the number of drivers in your household, ages of those drivers and who is to be the primary driver of the vehicle in question.



Be prepared to hand over your complete history because holding out on certain aspects will make your contract null and void, as well as get you into trouble.  Lying on an insurance application is fraud and they always find out eventually, so spare yourself the headaches and potential costs and be truthful.

It is also helpful if you prepare yourself for any past mistakes to come back and haunt you.  Avoid making claims or any changes to your insurance company or policy for three to five years following a claim.  If your insurance company has any reason to look into your file, any recent activity will be flagged and your premiums will increase.



Online Quotes vs. Over The Phone



Think it’s more convenient to get your quote online whenever you have some spare time?  The truth is that you will get a cheaper rate if you speak to a real, live person.  The reason for this is that aside from the technical questions used to determine your quote, there is no way to give any additional information you think may be relevant.  Maybe you made a claim but were not charged with any driving violation.  Online insurance forms don’t always ask if you were at fault.  They are only interested in determining if a claim was made.

Divulging your insurance information is intimate stuff.  If you develop a personal relationship with your broker it will be easier for you to negotiate rates.  Besides, when you enter the information online, you will get a quote based on your answers as suggested by an insurance underwriter.  These are only guidelines that compare your answers with the standard, but there is no wiggle room with a computer, you get what you get.



You may think that comparing prices between insurance companies will help you get the best rates, but the same rules stated before apply.  A computer spits out a quote based on your answers, but it is the rule and not the exception.  What I mean by this is you may want a quote based on your history instead of a standard response to people with a similar driving history or record.  The only way you will get a personalized quote is by talking to a person.



They Are Just People

Insurance companies and adjustors have the reputation of being ogres with the power to increase your premiums with seemingly little cause.  This type of thinking leads people to believe they have a fight on their hands before a war is even declared.  If you have to make a claim or contact your insurance company for any number of reasons, don’t expect your rates to go up.  Listen to the person on the phone, understand what they are saying and make sure they understand what it is you want.



Keep your tone and temper even and avoid being hostile or rude.  Employees at an insurance company are just doing their jobs and really do want to help you out.  If it helps, think of how often they must get yelled at during the day and try not to add to that number.



That being said, not all employees will treat you with respect.  Some adjustors are miserable, dislike their jobs and are looking to take that out on the next person who calls with a complaint or has to make a claim or adjustment.  But such is the case with any company or industry.


Catch More Bees With Honey

Instead of preparing to argue your point, focus instead on making your needs clear to the person on the phone.  Communication is imperative in helping you deal with a claim, change your insurance policy or obtain a quote.  Do your part to make this transaction pleasant and easy and you will find that the service you get in return is to your satisfaction.