Auto Insurance: Making the Switch

Do you know if you’re getting the best deal on your auto insurance? It pays (figuratively and literally) to find out. People save an average of $600 a year when they buy through Zander Insurance! If the fear of switching carriers is keeping you from looking into other options, check out these five simple steps to a smooth transition:

1. Reach out to a Guide

When you work with Zander, we will let you know what information you’ll need to make the switch, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process. That’s why this is the best place to start – if you have questions as you work through the next few steps, not to worry! Your Zander Guide will be there to (you guessed it) guide you.

2. Gather necessary information

Your Zander Guide will tell you what you will need to provide, but here are a few things to begin gathering if you want to get a head start:

• Driver’s license numbers for all drivers on the policy
• Vehicle Information Numbers (VINs) for all cars you’d like covered (don’t worry if you don’t have this – your Zander Guide can likely pull this for you)
• Names and dates of birth for everyone on the policy

3. Examine your coverage options

You shouldn’t just get the minimum coverage required by your state. Your Zander Guide can help you determine how much you need in each of the following categories:

• Liability coverage: covers damage you cause to another person’s car, passengers, or driver – aim for at least $500,000 in coverage
• Collision coverage: covers damage to your own car if you’re in a wreck, regardless of who caused the accident
• Comprehensive coverage: covers non-collision damage, such as vandalism, hail, or animals – oh deer!

4. Cancel your former policy

Make sure to do this after your new policy takes effect so there is no lapse in coverage. On the other end of the spectrum, make sure you do it immediately after your new policy takes effect – unless, of course, you want to pay for two policies (we’re guessing that’s a hard no). If you prepaid for your former policy or changed policies in the middle of the month, your former insurance carrier owes you a refund for any unearned premium! When you call them to cancel, be sure to ask about that.

5. Put your new insurance ID in your glovebox

Please don’t skip this one! If you get pulled over without proof of insurance, you could face a hefty fine. Most companies will send you a temporary card, but you can usually print one out at home if you’d like one sooner. Download the Zander app for iPhone or Android to access your ID anytime, anywhere.