Summary
Automobile insurance covers liability to people and property who may be hit by your vehicle, as well as damage to the vehicle itself. It can even cover your damages if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
The last thing anyone needs is to suffer a large monetary loss due to an automobile accident not covered by insurance. This is particularly true for anyone living after a diagnosis since a sudden and potentially severe loss could be particularly difficult. Without automobile insurance, you could also lose everything you own. In addition to the monetary loss, you could lose your only practical means of transportation to and from your doctor or medical facility
A minimal amount of automobile insurance is required by law in most states. Automobile insurance with reasonable limits is required for your financial safety.
- Automobile Insurance: The Different Coverages
- How to Buy Automobile Insurance
- How to Save Money When Purchasing Automobile Insurance
- Should I Use A Broker, Agent, Financial Planner Or Other Professional To Help Me Buy Insurance?
- How To Choose And Maximize Use Of An Insurance Professional
- How To Switch Automobile Insurance Companies
- What To Do If You Have An Accident
- Automobile Insurance Claims: Filling, Negotiating, Settling
How To Switch Automobile Insurance Companies
If you decide to switch automobile insurance companies, it is important to do it correctly so you do not have even one day without insurance. Do not cancel your current coverage until the new coverage is in effect.
To switch automobile insurance companies:
- Get your new coverage in place. You do not want to be without automobile insurance for even a day.
- Tell your current company that you want to cancel your policy.
- Name the date you want the policy cancelled.
- The insurance company will send you a form to sign and return. The company may require that you return the policy with the cancellation form. (If you cannot find your copy of the policy, ask the company to send you a "Lost Policy Release".)
- Do not be surprised if the company requires proof of new coverage before canceling your current policy.
If you do not complete the formal process, the company may not cancel your policy. The insurer may later cancel the policy for non-payment. You don't want this to happen because this would be a negative mark in your credit report - and credit is very important after a diagnosis.
A change from one carrier to another can happen in as little as one day.
The best time to switch
The best time to switch is just before your current policy renews -- for example, just after receiving notice from your current insurer about the renewal. If you terminate before the end of the term, the insurance company will refund your premium for the unused period. However, when the insured cancels a policy, most insurers refund on a "short rate" rather than a "pro rata" basis - which means you get less than a proportionate return of the premium.