What to ask an auto insurance agent
All reasonable questions. Any of them should get a straight answer.
A good conversation with an insurance professional is one where you leave understanding the tradeoffs, not just the price.
These questions get you there. None are confrontational, and hesitation on any of them is itself useful information.
About the coverage
- What are my liability limits, and what happens if a claim exceeds them?
- What exactly is excluded from this policy?
- Am I covered driving someone else's car, or if someone borrows mine?
- Is a rental car covered, and for how long?
- How is a totalled vehicle valued, and how is that figure determined?
- Does this policy cover me for business use, including deliveries or rideshare?
About the price
- Which discounts am I currently receiving, and which am I not?
- What would change this premium at renewal?
- Are there installment fees if I pay monthly?
- How would one at-fault claim affect what I pay?
- Is this quote based on verified information or on what I told you?
About claims
- Who do I call after an accident, and is it staffed at night?
- Can I choose my own repair shop?
- Is there a guarantee on repair work through your network?
- How long does a typical claim take from report to payment?
- What would cause a claim to be denied?
About the agent
- Are you licensed, and what's your licence number?
- Do you represent one insurer or several?
- How are you compensated on this policy?
- What would make this policy the wrong choice for me?
The last one matters most
"What would make this the wrong choice for me?" is the question that separates advice from a sales pitch. Anyone who genuinely understands the product can name a scenario where it doesn't fit.
Someone who can't think of one isn't advising you.
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This page is general information, not advice about your specific circumstances. A licensed insurance professional can tell you what’s actually available to you.
General information only, not insurance advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by insurer and by state, and are subject to underwriting. Quote My Policy LLC is a licensed insurance producer. Nothing here binds coverage.