Let’s be honest: talking about car insurance isn’t usually the highlight of anyone’s week. Most people just want to get the lowest quote, sign the papers, and get back on the road.
But here’s the secret: The cheapest policy isn’t always the one that actually protects you.
As an independent agent here in Tacoma, I see people get stuck with surprise bills after an accident simply because they didn’t ask the right questions when they signed up. You don’t need to be an insurance expert—that’s my job—but asking a few smart questions can make a massive difference in your financial security.
If you are shopping for a new policy or just reviewing your current one, here are the top 5 questions you need to ask to make sure you are truly covered.
1. “Am I eligible for any discounts I’m not currently getting?”
This is the easiest win for your wallet. Insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts, but they aren’t always applied automatically. You have to ask!
Ask about:
- Bundling: Combining home/renters and auto (this is usually the biggest saver).
- Good Student: If you have a teen driver with a B average or higher.
- Telematics/Safe Driver Apps: Programs that track driving habits for a discount.
- Pay-in-Full: Discounts for paying the 6-month or annual premium upfront.
- Occupation/Alumni: Discounts for certain professions or university graduates.
2. “If I total someone’s brand new luxury car, will my liability limits cover it?”
State minimum coverage is rarely enough. In Washington, the minimum property damage liability is often much lower than the cost of a modern SUV or electric vehicle.
If your limit is $25,000 and you accidentally total a $60,000 Tesla, you are personally responsible for the $35,000 difference. Ask your agent to run the numbers on higher liability limits (like 100/300/100). You will be surprised at how affordable it is to double or triple your protection.
3. “Does this policy include Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance?”
Imagine this scenario: You’re in a fender bender and your car has to be in the body shop for two weeks.
- Without Rental Reimbursement: You are paying $50+ a day out of pocket for a rental car.
- With Rental Reimbursement: The insurance company picks up the tab (up to your limit).
These coverages are optional “add-ons,” which means they are often left off “budget” quotes to make the price look lower. Always ask if they are included.
4. “How will my deductible options affect my premium?”
Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. There is a see-saw relationship between your deductible and your monthly premium:
- Higher Deductible ($1,000+) = Lower Monthly Premium.
- Lower Deductible ($250-$500) = Higher Monthly Premium.
Ask your agent to show you the price difference between a $500 and a $1,000 deductible. If switching to a higher deductible saves you $200 a year, and you have savings set aside for emergencies, it might be a smart financial move.
5. “Do you handle claims in-house, or will I be dealing with a call center?”
This is the “Independent Agent” difference. When you have a claim, it’s usually a stressful day.
- Ask if you can call me directly when something happens.
- Ask if I can help advocate for you if the claims process gets stuck.
Knowing you have a local advocate in your corner rather than just a 1-800 number can provide huge peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
There is no such thing as a “dumb” question when it comes to protecting your livelihood. Whether you are a new driver or have been insured for decades, having a candid conversation with your agent is the best way to ensure no surprises down the road.
Ready to ask these questions? Give us a call at Dan Marek Insurance. I’d be happy to review your current coverage—even if it’s not with us—and help you find the gaps.
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