
Lee N
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Commercials are a great way to get the word out about your products and services, but the old saying of "don't believe everything you see on TV" certainly holds true. Commercials cost money, so the companies advertising more have higher expenses. They either have to be more efficient or have to charge more, to remain competitive. (Example: the difference between name brand and store brand soda, soup, etc.) In the end what really matters is (a) the companies financial standing (A rating or better from AM Best is desirable to be sure they will be able to pay claims when called upon to do so), (b) their reputation for being prompt and fair (can be reviewed through the department of insurance in most states. (c) Another factor to consider is the number of claims you expect to have. A private party rarely has claims but a large business may have many. The size and sophistication of their local operations and claims staff can make a real difference in your satisfaction. (d) Finally, do you want or need a local agent? They can certainly help you navigate the waters of what you really need. The mindset is that agents are just trying to sell you as much as they can, which is true, to a point, but they also want happy customers. Surprisingly, you'll often find that people in the industry (adjusters, agents, underwriters, etc) tend to carry more coverage, though often with somewhat higher deductibles, than most people, since we see the aftermath if someone is not sufficiently insured as to liability, property, or life insurance. Good luck. |