The Car Insurance Discount Phone Script (that terrifies your insurance agent)
The Car Insurance Discount Phone Script (that terrifies your insurance agent) |  |
- The Car Insurance Discount Phone Script (that terrifies your insurance agent)
- Advantages of Renting a Home Instead of Owning
- Dollar Matters: Career Moves
| The Car Insurance Discount Phone Script (that terrifies your insurance agent) Posted: 02 Feb 2011 04:00 AM PST
This may come as a shock, but most insurance company reps aren’t prepared to list out each and every possible discount you could ask for on your car insurance. Wait, are you ok? You seem to be breathing heavily… Ok, now wouldn’t it be great if you knew ALL the possible car insurance discounts that companies usually offer? …and, and, what if you had a SCRIPT written out for you that you could use on the phone while talking to your current or prospective car insurance company? My friend, I’m so glad you asked! We’ve got you covered.
Talking – or negotiating – with your auto insurance agent to get a lower rate can be an overwhelming task. In fact, many people find one rate and stick with it because they don't want to go through the hassle of negotiating. The truth is, even getting the smallest discounts on your auto insurance can really add up and help you save quite a bit of money in the long run. The script below can be used as a resource to help you get the lowest rate when talking with your auto insurance company. Step 1 (before you call):
Step 2 (during the call):
o How much can I save if I insure my house and car with you? o Do you give a renewal discount for repeat customers? o Do you offer a discount to long-term members? o Can I save money by paying the entire policy up front or in chunks, instead of month-by-month?
o Other companies have offered me discounts for safety features like anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft system, etc. Can you offer the same? o Do you offer low mileage discounts? o If I take a defensive driving course, can I get a discount? If so, what type of class should I take? o My employer is "X." Do you offer any corporate rates? o Do you give discounts through any professional or retail memberships? (Example: AAA, AARP, Costco, etc.) o For even more discount questions to ask, reference the above section titled "37 Car Insurance Discounts"
Step 3: After you get an offer, ask them to modify it one more time.
Sometimes, insurance companies can throw in just a few extra discounts – so what's the harm in asking one more time? After the agent gives you a rate that you're comfortable with, pause, then say, "This sounds great, I'm very interested – but are there any other discounts you can give me before I decide to sign on?" At that point, it's likely they'll know they're dealing with someone who knows how to negotiate, but that's okay. The worst case is that they can't offer anything else. Best case, they'll come back with another offer, at which point you can say, "That sounds great! Thanks for your help." So, my friends – keep this phone script handy for next time you talk with an auto insurance agent. It's a great guideline that can save you time and money in the long run. About the Author: Pam King writes on frugality, safety and insurance literacy for Direct General, a low cost and customized car insurance rate provider. When not saving money on her insurance, Pam enjoys knitting, NASCAR, family and watching rollerderby! |
| Advantages of Renting a Home Instead of Owning Posted: 25 Jan 2011 04:00 AM PST
Right now, home prices (especially in the U.S.) are quite low, and mortgage rates are fairly low as well. A number of foreclosures means that there are cheap homes on the market. As a result, it is really tempting to buy a home. However, in some cases it might be to your advantage to keep renting. This has occurred to me as my family faces the prospect of moving and possibly selling our house, as well as the expenses associated with paying for a flooded basement. I’m wondering if maybe we should go back to renting. Here are some of the reasons that renting is looking tempting:  Photo: Phil Sexton Owning a Home is ExpensiveForget about the line from real estate agents about a home being a great investment or your biggest asset. Your home is a purchase. An expensive purchase. By the time you pay interest (even though you can get a tax deduction), property taxes, maintenance costs, repair expenses, insurance and utilities, the expenses really start to add up. Even if you do sell your home for more than you paid, it may not be enough to offset the accumulated expenses associated with owning a home for decades. Renting, on the other hand, is usually less expensive. You aren’t responsible for the repairs or maintenance costs (unless you do something you shouldn’t), renter’s insurance is much cheaper than homeowner’s insurance, and you don’t have interest or property taxes. Depending on the market you’re in, a rent payment for a decent-sized home may be a couple hundred less than a mortgage payment. Some folks like to invest the difference, hoping for a better long-term return. Greater FlexibilityIf you aren’t going to be an area for very long, the flexibility of renting might be attractive. Aside from having to sign a one year initial lease, renting offers the ability for you to pick up and leave if you need/want to. We had hoped to be in our current home for a longer period of time, but, like so much in life, it isn’t working out. We will probably have to move to a new town, and that means trying to sell this house. If we were renting right now, we could just offer 30 days’ notice to the landlord and leave when ready. And, because we don’t want to be landlords, we will probably have to take a loss on the home when we sell it. Bottom LineAs with all things financial, what works for you is different from what works for someone else. We probably weren’t exactly ready to buy a home, and we might not rush into it in the next place we live. While we can afford to live in the house, the responsibility of it, and the expense associated with it, can be irritating at times — especially when I think that we are likely to be moving after staying in the home for less than five years. In the end, carefully weigh the pros and cons of buying a home versus renting it. Think about what is likely to happen in the future, and whether or not the money you put into home ownership might be better used elsewhere. |
| Posted: 24 Jan 2011 09:00 AM PST
The beginning of a new year is often the time that we begin thinking about perhaps taking a new direction with career choices. If you are interested in different aspects of your job, and learning more about your career options, here are some great posts:
Changing Careers: Are You a Burnout, or a Cross-Functional Dynamo Seeking a Challenge?PT Money offers a look at how you can switch careers. It’s all in the type of person you are — and how you present yourself. Should I Work for Free?This awesome flow chart, brought to my attention by My Money Blog, helps you decide whether or not you should be doing work gratis. I loved it. (This link takes you to the “F-bomb version”, but you can also see a clean version of this flow chart.) How to Deal with a Boring JobFree Money Finance provides a look at how you can make it through when you have a boring job. Why Young Entrepreneurs Should Hold Down a Job After CollegeFrugal Dad makes a compelling case for holding down a job. It’s an interesting look at why, even though you might be considering becoming an entrepreneur. The Most Important Factor in Retirement SavingsPart of smart career decision making is being ready for retirement. Get Rich Slowly offers a look at the importance of retirement savings. Other Financial PostsMore great money posts from the PF interwebs:
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