How do I prevent myself from getting taken advantage of by the car insurance companies?

6 Comments

1. toolofoppression says:

   August 24, 2009 at 10:05 am

   have an agent, not just a 1800 number. if things happen, talking to a person face to face gets way more accomplished than talking to “Betty” in India. read the fine print. dont sign anything without reading and understanding it. go with reputable companies
2. bundysmom says:

   August 25, 2009 at 11:41 am

   You have to define “getting taken advantage of;” and any reputable carrier doesn’t take advantage of anyone. Just because you want things your way, just because you refuse to mitigate your damage, just because you refuse to be reasonable doesn’t mean you’re being taken advantage. As for tricks…don’t know any of those other than oh maybe, they are following state and federal law and you refuse to do the same, let alone accept it.

   Check with your department of insurance to be sure the company you are buying from is indeed licensed to do business in your state, is in fact an insurance company, and check the broker to make sure they are licensed to sell insurance.
3. blb says:

   August 25, 2009 at 8:48 pm

   If you think that your car insurance company is taking advantage of you then you need to get another company. I am an independent agent and I don’t know of any companies that try and take advantage of their customers. Now, I know LOTS of customers that try and take advantage of their companies. EX Recently, someone came into my office and put a different vehicle on their policy. Immediately after adding it they wanted to put in a claim for a chip in the w/s that happened before they bought the vehicle. That is fraud and it happens every day by thousands of people.

   Insurance companies are well regulated and would be unable to take advantage of their customers if they want to stay in business.
4. mei-lin says:

   August 26, 2009 at 4:41 pm

   Take advantage of you how? As an (auto) agent for 20+ years I want to be sure my clients are informed about their coverage. I want them to have the coverages that they expect to have – such as towing and rental, I want them to have deductibles they can afford. If they aren’t happy, they will not continue to be my customer.
5. scaminator63 says:

   August 29, 2009 at 3:12 pm

   Exactly what tricks do you think insurance companies perform to take advantage of you?

   The insurance industry is one of the most highly regulated and scrutinized industries in the USA.

   Policies must conform to State statutes and be approved by the State’s Department of Insurance prior to issuance. Likewise, all insurance companies are required by the States they do business in to file documentation with regard to their premiums and policyholder protection fund. Furthermore, most, if not all, States require across the board rate increases to be filed with and approved by the State prior to their implementation.

   Most States require insurance adjusters and insurance agents to be licensed in the States in which they do business and to take proficiency exams and continuing education with regard to insurance law and ethics to maintain their licenses.

   Of course, there’s always the chance that you may have business dealings with an insurance agent or insurance adjuster that is not up to par or that you may have a personality conflict with. If that is the case, you can always request to speak with and deal with a different insurance associate.

   Please provide concrete examples of how insurance companies take advantage of and play tricks on their policyholders as part of their regular business practice.

   Inquiring minds want to know.
6. pokey2826 says:

   August 29, 2009 at 5:52 pm

   shoot yourself, then you’ll be protected.

   here is what a lawyer told me:
   anytime you sign anything, you’re giving your rights away.
   insurance companies like paperwork and signatures.