Car Insurance

It's time to check my car insurance. After hearing the horror story that some friends of mine faced after a recent accident, it was apparent that regular check ups of my policy are a must.

Several months ago, a guy I knew was hit in the side of his car which totaled the vehicle. His car insurance was paid up, or so he thought. When he and his went to file the claim, there was no collision insurance on the vehicle in question. Some how, the collision payment had been switched to another vehicle of theirs. They were lucky. The company was willing to work with them to straighten out the error.

If it wasn't for the fact that they had been with the same company for about twenty five years AND that they had a personal relationship with the agent, they probably would have had a totaled car and nothing to show for it. In the end, the agent was able to switch the incorrect car insurance coverage back to the right car. The check eventually was "in the mail."

Not all people will be so lucky. Instead of waiting for disaster to see what your car insurance covers, check the policy each time you pay. It may be that your coverage is insufficient or just incorrect. Make sure you are looking at the right car insurance for the right car - if you have more than one insured with that company.

While you are looking, see if there are any discounts that are being missed or if there might be some coverage you no longer need (many people choose not to cover older vehicles with comprehensive or collision insurance because the value is less than the deductible).

The lesson my parents learned the hard way is one I'm choosing to learn from them. Check your car insurance twice before there is an accident so you don't have to worry if and when one happens.

About the Author

Kathryn is a freelance journalist writing for the UK finance industry, specialising in car insurance issues. She also write on car insurance news for UK financial publications.