Home and Auto Insurance Basics

If you have a car and a home, you already know that you must have some form of home and auto insurance. However, if you're a first-time homeowner or car buyer, you may be confused as to what's available and what you might need.
First, you have to remember that insurance laws vary slightly from state to state so you'll want to keep that in mind when you are shopping around for quotes. Second, you will want to spend some time getting quotes from more than one company to make sure you're getting the best coverage you can afford.
To make sure you are getting a good price for your home and auto insurance you will want to use a combination of methods. You should use a couple of online websites to provide you with quotes from a variety of providers. Additionally, you should take the time and actually make a few phone calls yourself. By calling the providers, you'll be able to speak with a person who might be able to give you information regarding possible discounts.
For your auto insurance, you'll need to make sure you at least carry the minimum coverage based on the laws of your state. Most states have very strict guidelines for the minimum amounts of coverage for personal injury, but it's a good idea to maintain more than that minimum.
The same is true for most home insurance. Most states have a minimum dollar amount, but when something happens, repairs often cost more than anticipated so it's a good idea to have coverage beyond the bare minimum.
When considering home and auto insurance, it's a good idea to try to go with a company with an actual agent in your town so that if something happens, you'll have a person there pretty quickly. However, keep in mind that many companies these days rely on call centers. This means that if you have a car accident or damage to your home, you'll contact the call center (which may not even be in your state), and they will send someone out to you.
The vast majority of companies will provide you with a discount if you have both home and auto insurance from them. There are a number of possibilities for obtaining a discount for your home or auto insurance policy.
Some companies offer auto insurance discounts for the car's safety features, an alarm system, having day-time running lights, and even if you've taken a defensive driving course.
Home insurance discounts are generally available for building materials (brick homes are considered to be flame resistant), having a fire station nearby, having a home security system, and even using solar energy in the home.
However, you have to ask for these discounts so you'll need to do your homework when in the market for insurance.
Just remember, you want to make sure that your home and car are properly covered should you need to make a claim. Taking the time to do a little research into the best home and auto insurance for you will only be beneficial in the long run.