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What Information Will I Need Before Shopping for an Auto Insurance Policy?

Margaret Meyer
Margaret M. Whelehan, CFP®, CDFA®
Vice President, Financial Advisor
[email protected]
(585) 394-4260 x42129

Shopping for auto insurance might sound like a drag, but it's important for you to have appropriate coverage in the event of an accident. Following are some guidelines to consider when purchasing your auto insurance policy.

  • Gather information. Before you start shopping, compile key information about each vehicle you want to insure. This list should include the year, make, and model of each vehicle. Knowing your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) may help you get a more accurate quote. Be prepared to answer questions about vehicle usage or special after-market equipment installed in your vehicle, and keep in mind that anti-theft and security systems may qualify you for additional discounts!
  • Decide what you need. Whether you're purchasing auto insurance for a new vehicle or making changes to your existing policy, it's important to be familiar with the different coverages available to you. Maybe what you currently have doesn't meet your needs, or perhaps your premium seems to high. Bear in mind that there may be a gap between how much coverage your state requires you to have and how much you may actually need.
  • Shop around. When selecting an insurer, ask questions. How long has the company been selling auto insurance? Does it have a good reputation? How is the company's customer service and claims handling? Is it able to provide the coverage you need at a price you can afford? Answering these questions could make it easier for you to shop for the policy that's right for you. As an independent agency, CNB Insurance can get you competitive quotes from multiple carriers, making shopping for insurance simple and seamless!
  • Ask about discounts. You could be eligible for several discounts. These vary by state and company but may include discounts for multiple vehicles, anti-theft devices, and low annual mileage. You may also be able to save money by bundling your auto insurance together with other policies such as your home insurance or umbrella insurance policies!
  • Compare quotes. Once you have a collection of quotes, you need to compare them. Review each quote for information such as coverage levels, policy length, and price. This will help you attain the best overall value for your money as well as sufficient protection for your vehicle.

Understand that at the CNB Insurance Agency, our licensed agents can help to make all of this an easier process. We can walk you through coverages and benefits that you may not be aware of. Call us or shop online today - https://cnbank.insuranceaisle.com or 1-844-427-7338 - and let us shop for you. You choose the policy and you save in time and money! In fact, the average savings for home, auto, and packaged policies for the month of April was $474 per year and the average savings for the last twelve months is $558*.

*Figure of $558 is a national average savings number from the previous 12 months of auto, homeowner and packaged policyholders’ savings when compared to the policyholders’ former premiums. Individual premiums and savings will vary.

Source: ©2016 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. This material provided by Margaret M. Whelehan.

CNB Insurance Agency is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canandaigua National Bank & Trust. Investments and insurance products offered through CNB Insurance Agency are not FDIC insured, not bank deposits, not obligations of, or guaranteed by Canandaigua National Bank & Trust or any of its affiliates. Insurance Companies offering products through CNB Insurance Agency are independent of and not affiliated with Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, any of its affiliates, or CNB Insurance Agency. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust will not condition an extension of credit on either the consumer’s purchase of an insurance product or annuity from Canandaigua National Bank & Trust or any of its affiliates, or the consumer’s agreement not to obtain, or a prohibition from obtaining, an insurance product or annuity from an unaffiliated entity.