Wise UP and save on your insurance

Wise UP and save on your insurance

As households across the nation look for ways to cut costs while dealing with record job losses and sheltering in place, UP has suggestions for reducing insurance premiums without sacrificing asset protection.

– Consider increasing your auto and home insurance deductibles.

– Consider whether you still need Collision and Comprehensive coverage on your car(s).

Experts agree that raising your home or auto policy deductible to a level you feel comfortable with is a smart way to maintain asset protection while reducing the cost of your insurance. With a higher deductible, you’ll pay small claims out of pocket and file fewer claims so insurers will charge you less overall because they’ll consider you a superior risk. We’re talking about modest deductible increases, not the super high catastrophe deductibles that hurt disaster recovery.

Hopefully you got a refund or credit from your auto insurer because of the big drop in accident claims due to fewer cars on the road during the pandemic.

Now take a look at whether you still need to be paying for Collision and Comprehensive Coverage on your current car(s).

If you do not currently have an auto loan that requires you keep those two coverages in place, you have a personal choice to drop or keep paying for them. To make the right decision for yourself, check the current blue book value of your car for a private sale.

How does your car’s current value compare with the deductible in your insurance that applies to comprehensive and collision claims and the annual premium you’re paying?

For example: if the blue book value of your car is $2000, you carry a $1000 deductible for comprehensive and collision, and your total annual cost for comprehensive and collision is $900, there is little benefit to paying for this coverage. It may be better to keep the money in your pocket just in case you need it for an unexpected fender bender.

ON THE OTHER HAND…What is your financial plan to replace or repair your car if you drop comprehensive or collision?

Shop around. Now is a good time to see if you can get a better deal on your auto insurance. Some insurers are already promising rate reductions.

Try the Val Choice Insurance Calculator. Don’t forget to compare car insurance policies “apples to apples” so you’re comparing the same amounts and quality of coverage, not just the price/premiums.

Driving only for pleasure now? You may also be able to save money by notifying your insurance company that you are no longer commuting – only using your car for pleasure. And while a road trip may not be in our near future, start your car every week or so to make sure your battery stays charged.

The UP Team is continuing to work from home to give you the straight scoop on insurance while helping small businesses affected by COVID and providing our Roadmap to Recovery services to disaster survivors in need. Thanks to all who are adhering to social distancing and shelter in place orders along with our team.