How to Repair Your Relationship with Car Insurance Companies

After several claims, accidents, tickets or unpaid bills, you may begin to build a bad reputation with your auto insurance company. Most companies don’t really want to insure someone who has been responsible for multiple accidents or someone who has received several tickets. They are also cautious about insuring someone who doesn’t pay their bills on time. 

• Start paying your insurance premiums on time. Set up a direct debit from a checking or saving account. This will help you make sure your payments are made on a regular basis.


• Drive safely. Avoid getting tickets for reckless driving or speeding. Leave earlier for your destination so you are not rushed. Taking your time can prevent accidents and eliminate tickets.


• Clear your driving record. This means you cannot have an accident or ticket for three years from your last citation.  Having a good driving record will make you look more insurable to a company.


• Work with an independent or company agent. Build a personal relationship with a representative of an insurance company. Knowing someone in the business can help you get good rates on your car insurance premium.


• Avoid filing a claim for the first two years you are with an insurance company.  Filing a claim means the company has to pay out money and your premium will increase.  Insurance companies do not want to pay out claims, if at all possible.  If you have a small accident, consider paying for it yourself, rather than filing a claim with the insurance company.


• Carry liability only insurance on your vehicle until you can prove you are a good driver.  With liability only insurance, the company only pays for damage you do to another person's vehicle or property.  Damages sustained to your vehicle must be paid by you.  This is a good way to alleviate the stress from the insurance company and show that you are a responsible driver.


• Try to minimize your communications with the insurance company.  The less the company has to do with individual clients, the more likely they are to succeed.  Usually the only time a company talks with a current client is to file a claim.  If a company hasn't heard from you personally and you are paying your premiums on time then, you are a good customer.