Insurance is your protection. Yet when it comes to purchasing Virginia insurance, many people make huge mistakes that cost them thousands of dollars. Here are five insurance deadly mistakes that are made by consumers still:

1. They do not benefit from the insurance shopping checklist. Many agents will provide you a free checklist that will evaluate what coverage you need and do not need. It will also outline any questions, please ask how you “interview” agent. Many people by the insured or under insured because they do not address the really consider their needs.

2. Their mistake “cheap” for “values”. You may obtain a low premium, but the victim with a higher deductible. If you have a claim, you may end up paying thousands of dollars that would have been covered if you had increased your premium by just a few dollars. Make sure the coverage protects the assets actually, even if costs a few U.S. dollars more. And most insurance agents offer a discount. You can find value in these reductions without losing coverage.

3. Virginia does not read the insurance policy. Your agent will explain your policies, but has a duty to know what is covered and not covered. When you sign policy, you can not, you can not claim to know what the policy entails.

4. Their confidence in their families to protect $ 5 per hour at the operator. Many of the larger companies advertise great service, but comes from the customer service operators are not claims experts or agents. Is this who you want when you are in crisis? Want a professional representative who will handle claims promptly and personally. Better yet, find an agent that offers a 24-hour response guarantee.

5. They have their policies with the various agencies. The combination of all policies (home, auto, life, boat, etc. ..) can save up to 40 percent. If you have not already asked the agent about combing policies, you are cheating with the hundreds of dollars.

These errors are not so bad, but consider this as an example. Are you involved in a car wreck on the 2 is called the 800 number provided by the Agency. Overnight “customer service specialist,” says it is not available to help you at that time. You are stranded, wounded and upset. You do not know exactly what type of insurance you need. Three days later, someone comes to inspect the car and assess their damages. With home auto specialist, you will have someone respond within 24 hours and begin processing claims immediately. What kind of service do you prefer?

Caveat Emptor - Let the buyer beware! Unfortunately, it is difficult area to be well informed in insurance for many consumers because of the number of insurance companies, the type of coverage and the similarity of names. Add to this global aspect of the modern business climate and the fight could be even higher.

If you’re looking for coverage of home or a car, chances are you know the companies contacted for quotes. Many insurance companies advertise in the areas of trust and reputation for a long time. You know them. When a consumer steps in the new arena, it pays to have more information.

For example, one of the fastest growing Medical Tourism industry in which patients travel to health care.

Typically, the patient travels abroad for savings, often Gleaming skilled doctors, healthcare facilities and other suppliers. The savings can start from scratch, with the state of the art devices are constructed for 1 / 5 the cost for the same building in the United States. Complications may arise from operations carried out anywhere. During the journey to health care savings, patients, people want to know that if a complication arises, that will not see their savings erode. Specialty insurance may cover trip cancellation travel accident complications of surgery and more to alleviate concern.

Because they are specific policies may vary significantly. Important for consumers to compare coverage to ensure that we are actually increasing the coverage that meets their needs. And next comparison is important in this regard. Ask about the exclusion, the periods of insurance, deductibles, fees and taxes, etc.

In addition, new trends and industries to create opportunities for unfair offers from bogus insurance companies. Because they may appear to be very formal, and may claim that they are held outside the U.S., consumers may feel that the fictitious company is real and justified. These bad apples do not spoil the whole bunch, but you can certainly leave a bad taste, if selected by mistake!

Insurance companies can not be determined on the day in each country, and they are listed, or by the companies that rate insurance companies such as Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. Even foreign companies are rated, or at least mentioned (if they are not in business long enough or does not meet the criteria to be considered.)

I recently came across a policy that was offered to medical tourists as the patient version of malpractice insurance. It is conceivable, but very unusual for the patient to be able to purchase malpractice insurance for doctors (and I would like to add that the patient who wishes to appear complication of operation range, whether as a result of fraud or not.) Claims one of the deposit that you have to pay if needed to make a statement. Such requirements are very unusual, and should encourage consumers to examine the validity of the company and policy.

Consumers should always make sure the insurance companies, or by asking a trusted agent or AM Best (www.ambest.com) and other rating companies directly. Also check with the Better Business Bureau and the State Department of insurance complaints. Consumers should also ask the insurance company, which deals with their products, so you do not know they are dealing with the law and the authorized representative. An insurance company could be a victim of unscrupulous people, as well as the consumer can, if someone is going to represent the insurance company. And unfortunately, if the money is paid to a fictitious company, it can be very difficult to recover - if it can be recovered.

If in doubt, call on your trusted insurance agent to help you navigate the waters. Get quotes from several companies, check companies and agents, compare the forms and move forward, knowing that while the insurance policy is not everything to everyone, having made an informed choice for the best option for your needs

1. Shop Around

Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to look. Obtain at least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state of the insurance department may also compare the prices of the major insurers. (State insurance department phone numbers and Web sites can be found here.)

Purchase insurance to protect financially and provide peace of mind. It is important to choose a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as AM Best (http://www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) and consult consumer magazines.

Get quotes from different types of insurance. Some sell through their agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

Do not shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Select an agent or representative of a company to have time to answer your questions. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure will help you compare quotes from insurers in the same range.

2. Before you buy car insurance comparison

Before you buy new or used car, check the insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the vehicle sticker price, repair costs, safety, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injury or theft. These include day-lighting and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what to buy a car, you can obtain information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

3. Ask higher deductibles

Deductibles are what pay the insurance policy kicks in By requesting higher deductibles, you can significantly reduce costs. For example, increasing the deductible from $ 200 to $ 500 could reduce collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to the $ 1,000 deductible can save 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, make sure you have enough money set aside for payment, if you have a claim.

4. Reducing the scope of Older Cars

Consider dropping collision and / or bulky Coverage’s on older cars. If the car is worth 10 times less than the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be viable. Auto dealers and banks can tell the value of cars. Or you can view it online at Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure that the policy is changed.

5. Buy your Homeowners and Auto Coverage from the same insurer

Many insurers give a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You can also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long time customers. But that’s the meaning of look! You can save buying from different insurance companies, compared with the multi-policy discount.

6. Maintaining Good Credit Record

Establish a credit history can reduce their insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, do not obtain more credit than you need to keep credit balances at the lowest level. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected so as to quickly record remains accurate.

7. Take advantage of the low-cut

Some companies offer discounts for drivers who are driving less than the average number of miles per year. Low Mileage Discounts may also apply to drivers who car pool to work.

8. Ask about group insurance

Some companies offer reductions to drivers who obtain insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member, to see if you can.

9. The search for other discounts

Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations of a few years. You can also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If you are a young driver on the policy, which is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or university to the area without a