Insurance companies near you

How to pick an insurance company

You will have plenty of options to choose from, no matter what kind of insurance you need. If you need help narrowing down the list of insurance companies, here's a quick breakdown of how to pick an insurance company.

• Independent vs. Commercial. Determine if you feel more comfortable working with a local agent or large corporation.
• History. Research the history of each insurance company to determine how they handle customers.
• Reviews. Read insurance company reviews or ask people about their experience with the insurance company.
• Coverage. Perhaps most important of all, determine if the company offers the coverage that you need for your situation.
• Price. Gather estimates from as many insurance companies as you can to determine your optimal price and plan.
• Ease. Decide how much value you place on the ease of working with the company. You may find that you'd rather pay more for a company that offers better accessibility or vice versa.

 

Life insurance: Why should I get it and when?

Life insurance is a confusing topic. The most prominent questions are, why should I get life insurance, and if so, when should I get it? The answers are simpler than you would think.

Q: Why?

Life insurance companies cover the costs accrued after your death.

• Funeral expenses will be covered so loved ones won't have to worry about money during a time of mourning.
• Heirs, spouses, and other family members who relied on your income will be supported after your death.
• Any outstanding debt that you had will be paid off and avoids becoming a burden on your surviving loved ones.
• It can help you financially before your death. Some life insurance companies allow your policy to act as a savings account. Policy owners can make withdrawals during their lifetime to help with other expenses.
  
  

Q: When?

The longer you wait the higher the premium insurance companies will charge. The ideal age to start a life insurance policy is sometime after graduating college and before the age of 35.

 

5 common types of insurance

With so many different types of insurance companies and individual policies out there, it is easy to sign up for a plan that you don't truly need. However, there are five common plans most adults will need to purchase from an insurance company at some point in their life.

• Health: To cover medical expenses
• Life: To protect your loved ones after your death
• Long-Term Disability: To protect you in the event of an unexpected disability
• Home or Renters: To protect your home from damage and yourself from liability
• Auto: To protect your car from damage and yourself from liability
  
  

Most of the above are required by law, or else you will face a penalty. When trying to determine how to pick an insurance company, understand that you have options. You can avoid purchasing auto insurance if you do not own a car, or home insurance if you live with family.

Everyone has different needs. While you may never need auto insurance, you may find yourself in need of travel insurance or even pet insurance. Determine if the issue you are concerned with should be insured for the sake of your finances and your own peace of mind. Read insurance company reviews on BBB to help you decide on an insurance provider.

 

For more information

Learn more about finding the right auto insurance.

Take a look at BBB's tips for choosing the right life insurance.

Visit BBB's consumer HQ for more consumer tips and resources.