Most drivers are used to checking their car insurance annually and switching if necessary. But this process doesn’t always go smoothly. Unexpected hurdles often arise, which can lead to a lengthy and stressful move. Therefore, it is important to do enough research beforehand and keep some important things in mind to avoid scoring an own goal.
One reason many drivers may be unsure is that the subject of car insurance isn’t exactly straightforward and often involves juggling technical terms and numbers. But if you take your time and thoroughly consider the issue, you can save a lot of money and find an insurance policy that is tailored exactly to your needs.
Below are some important steps that can help when switching car insurance companies. From researching rates to canceling your old insurance, following these steps can ensure that switching car insurance isn’t an own goal.
Important: Before canceling your old insurance, be sure to get a new one. Otherwise, in the worst case, you could find yourself without insurance coverage.
So that the change of car insurance is not an own goal
Motor insurance is a must for every driver. However, it can be worthwhile to regularly take a look at the offers of other insurance companies and to change if necessary. But be careful: In the jungle of rates and conditions, it is important to keep an overview so that the change does not become an own goal.
A change of car insurance can be financially worthwhile under certain circumstances. For example, if you are buying a new car or moving house, you should take the opportunity to review your existing policy. Often there are cheaper rates that offer better benefits. Even those who have driven accident-free for many years are often entitled to a discount and can thus save money.
- However, it is important not to focus exclusively on the price. A premium that is too low can later turn out to be expensive if important services are missing in the event of a claim or if the insurance company refuses to pay for the damage.
- Therefore, it is advisable to check exactly what benefits are included and what conditions apply to a claim settlement before switching. A comparison calculator on the Internet can help here, as it clearly compares the various offers.
- The time of the change is also relevant. As a rule, termination is possible at the end of the year. However, if you want to change during the term, you should make sure that there are no cancellation costs that are too high.
Who decides to change the car insurance, should take time and compare the offers thoroughly. This is the only way to ensure that the change is not an own goal and that you are adequately covered in the event of a claim.
Tips for changing car insurance
If you decide to change your car insurance, there are a few important points to consider in order not to suffer any financial disadvantages. Before cancelling, it is important to be clear about the end of the contract period. Early termination can lead to financial losses.
Another important criterion is the price-performance ratio of the new insurance. It is advisable to compare different offers and tariffs. You should not only pay attention to the price, but also to what services are included.
A common mistake when changing insurance is not taking no-claims classes into account. In the event of a change, these are lost if you do not apply to the new provider within a certain period of time by submitting confirmation from the old insurance company.
- Consider the end of the contract period
- Check the price-performance ratio of the new insurance
- Do not forget the no-claims class
It is also advisable to be aware of the cancellation period of the old insurance and to comply with it. Under certain circumstances, it may also make sense to consider additional insurances such as partial or fully comprehensive insurance in order to provide optimal coverage.
Ultimately, it is important to be well informed and compare different offers before switching in order to find the best deal and avoid financial disadvantages.
When should you change your car insurance?
To ensure that switching car insurance doesn’t become an own goal, it’s important to choose the best time to do it. But when is this time? There are a few factors that can help guide your decision.
- End of year: Many insurance companies have a cancellation period of one month before the end of the contract. Therefore, the end of the year is a good time to switch insurance providers because that’s when your policy often expires on 31. December ends.
- Increase in premium: If your insurance company has increased the premium, it may be wise to look for cheaper options. Compare the prices and benefits of other insurance companies and make an informed decision.
- After a claim: If you have reported a claim, your insurance company may increase the premium. In this case, it may be advisable to look for another insurance company that can offer you a better deal.
However, it is important to note that switching car insurance can also come with some risks. For example, a new insurance company may not offer the same benefits as your old one, or your claim may be limited. So before you switch insurers, you should carefully consider what the advantages and disadvantages are.
Ultimately, the best time to switch car insurance companies depends on your individual situation. Compare the prices, benefits and conditions of different providers to make the best decision for your needs.
Finding the right rate for car insurance
The search for the best offer for car insurance can turn into a veritable own goal if you are not careful. Changing insurance is often worthwhile, but only if you find the right tariff. To do this, you should carefully compare the different offers.
An important role is played by the individual needs of the vehicle owner. There are rates that are particularly favorable for novice drivers or frequent drivers, for example. Another way to save money is to take advantage of various discounts.
- Drive fewer kilometers per year
- Select a voluntary deductible
- Signing up for multiple insurance policies with the same provider
When choosing car insurance, you should also compare the benefits of the tariffs. It is important to pay attention to the different insurance conditions and claims settlements. For example, protection in the event of theft or an accident abroad is particularly important for some drivers.
If you take all of these aspects into consideration and take enough time to compare the different quotes, you can ensure that switching car insurance won’t be an own goal.