Changing car insurance agents might be a hassle, but sometimes it's a necessity. Here are some tips
With ads running continuously on television talking about the benefits of switching insurance providers, you might wonder if changing car insurance agents is a good idea too. Switching your policy to a new company might save you more money, but it might also result in hidden fees that you don't notice until you make the change.
Simple reasons to switch
There are some very simple, practical and sometimes unavoidable reasons for changing car insurance agents. 
Agents are licensed through the state in which they do business and write policies. If you are moving to a different state, there's a very good chance that you will have to change car insurance agents. If you have been happy with the car insurance coverage and service you've received from your agent, but that agent isn't licensed in the new state where you will be living, ask your current agent to give you a referral, This can be especially helpful if you are with a captive agent or direct writer who works exclusively with one line of product.
Another simple reason for changing car insurance agents is if you find a better car insurance company and your current agent isn't licensed to represent that company.
To find new car insurance agents near you and to get free quotes on car insurance coverage, click here
According to several consumer survey reporting agencies and annual surveys on customer satisfaction and consumer complaints, the top complaints consumers have about car insruace agents are:
- Slow action on claims
- Failure to inform customers about discounts
- Failure to inform customers about rate increases
- Failure to inform customers about new coverage plans and options
If you're current car insurance agent falls into any of these categories, it might be time for you to start shopping your business elsewhere
Be careful of unforseen consequences
If you're changing car insurance agents because you want to try a different company, be careful of hidden fees and charges that could come you way. Many companies give you the chance to cancel your current policy, but some have hidden fees for terminating your contract, especially if you signed an agreement to keep coverage in place for a set amount of time. Many companies require that you inform them in writing prior to the due date of your next policy. If the company doesn't receive the notice in time, it may reserve the right to charge you the full amount of any outstanding premium still due on your policy term.
Switching car insurance companies can even negatively impact your future. When other car insurance agents run a report on you and see that you canceled past policies, it might put you in a higher risk category, which can make it difficult to buy insurance later or to qualify for select insurance premium discounts.
Car insurance companies often run ads that mention how much drivers can save by changing car insurance agents. Before you fall into this trap, call and request a quote based on your actual information. When you request a quote online, the company might give you its cheapest rate, which doesn't include all of the coverage or the amount of coverage that you need. Ask the company for the exact rate that it charges for the same coverage that you currently have and press any prospecive new agent to give you an apples-to-apples comparison.
Don't be afraid to change, but do your homework
Before you sign up for a new policy with a new agent, make sure that you fully terminate your contract with your older company and remove any issues that might remain including a lien on your car or an outstanding debt on a past accident. In fact, one of the best tests you can put to your new agent is to make sure he or she handles all of that administrative process for you. A seamless transition goes a long way toward affirming your decision to switch agents.
When it comes time to change your car insurace agent, for whatever reason, make sure you do your homework and avoid any added fees or foul-ups in continuing your car insurance coverage. If you know you'll need to change agents because you're moving, or if you just want to get a sense of if there is better service to be had out there, let Reply! help. Repy! can put you in touch with car insurance agents in your area who would be more than happy to try and win your new business.