Before purchasing auto insurance, you are incouraged to always evaluate and compare the various products offered to ensure you get the coverage you need at an acceptable level of value. Additionally, because your personal and financial obligations change over time, you will occasionally need to review your personal auto policy (PAP) to confirm that it adequately meets your current needs. If it doesn't, you may choose to increase or replace your policy.

Evaluate the coverage you already have
Before buying new or additional coverage, first review and understand the coverage you already have. It's a good idea to discuss with us, or your financial advisor, your auto policy when reviewing or updating coverage levels. Talk about your current and future insurance needs. You may be able to increase your liability coverage or make limited changes to an existing policy if you find that the coverage you have is inadequate. On the other hand, there may be occasions when you need to purchase an entirely new policy.

The following is a list of some common events that should trigger a review of your personal auto policy:

• Your annual policy is up for renewal: review it and make necessary changes. Usually a month or so before renewal is an ideal time to consider modifications.
• Your family status changes (married, divorced, kids): You may become more concerned about protecting assets after you get married, or you may wish to purchase more liability or collision coverage after your son or daughter gets a driver's license.
• Your property increases in value: Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Without adequate auto liability protection, your home could be lost to pay a judgment against you.
• Your net worth increases: As your net worth increases, you will have more assets (and more valuable assets) to protect.
• You buy a new (or additional) car: When you buy a car, you'll need to change your automobile policy to insure it. Take a few minutes to review your liability coverage under that policy, and make sure that your liability limits are still adequate.

Comparing policy terms and conditions
Although automobile insurance policies are standardized to a certain extent, it's still important to compare specific policies in terms of coverage, exclusions, the reputation of the insurance company and value. Some points to consider:

• When comparing policies, always make sure you are comparing very similar policies. You can't fairly weigh one policy against another unless you are comparing similar provisions and exclusions. Think about deductibles and limits of liability, as well as price.  To do this means you will want to spend time carefully reviewing each policy's general language and details.
• Weigh the policy cost against coverage and the service you'll receive.
• Evaluate the strength and reputation of the insurance company. It's important to buy auto insurance from a financially sound, reputable insurance company. You can check the ratings published by one of several companies, such as A.M. Best, Moody's, Standard & Poor's, or Duff & Phelps.

Learn More...

Auto Insurance Overview | Understanding The Basics | Coverage Options
Safety & Tips | Choosing A Policy | Filing A Claim | Car Rentals & Motorcycles

Please Note: The information contained in this Web site is provided solely as a source of general  information and resource.  It is a not a statement of contract and coverage may not apply in all areas or circumstances.  For a complete description of coverages, always read the insurance policy, including all endorsements.