Auto Insurance Policy Changes: Where And How To Modify Options

Auto-Owners Insurance is a Michigan-based company that has been insuring drivers since 1916. The company offers affordable rates and extensive coverage options, including liability-only insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, personal injury protection, medical payments insurance, gap insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. Auto-Owners also provides a variety of optional add-ons, such as accident forgiveness, additional expense coverage, and rental car coverage. To change your policy options with Auto-Owners Insurance, you can contact your local independent agency or use their Customer Center app, which is available 24/7. It is recommended to review and update your car insurance policy after significant life events or when your needs change.

Policy changes

Auto-Owners Insurance is a Michigan-based company that has been insuring drivers since 1916. It offers affordable rates and extensive coverage options. Auto-Owners Insurance is only licensed in 26 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

If you are looking to change your policy options with Auto-Owners Insurance, you can do so by contacting your local independent agency or by connecting to their Customer Center app 24/7. The app allows you to pay your bill, upload and view claims documents, view Insurance ID cards, and access policy documents. You can also call their billing representatives at 1-800-288-8740, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST, to discuss options such as deferring the minimum amount due, changing your due date, or extending your payment plan.

It is important to note that Auto-Owners Insurance does not offer online rate quotes or allow customers to buy policies online. Instead, you will need to work with an insurance agent to get a quote and purchase a policy. You can find a local agent by entering your ZIP code on their website or by calling 800-346-0346, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm ET.

When changing your policy options, it is crucial to ensure that your new policy's coverages, limits, and deductibles reflect your previous insurer's standards. Additionally, make sure there is no gap in your coverage and remember to cancel your previous policy to avoid overlapping coverage, which could put you at financial risk.

Switching insurance companies

Switching car insurance companies is a relatively straightforward process, and it can save you money and provide better coverage. You can switch at any time, even if you've just renewed your policy or have an open claim. However, if you have an open claim, your current insurer will still be responsible for handling it. Here are the steps to switch car insurance companies:

Shop Around and Compare Policies:

Before switching, it's essential to research and compare different insurance providers. Get quotes from at least three companies, considering factors such as rates, coverage options, discounts, and customer service. Ensure that you're comparing similar coverage types, limits, and deductibles to your current policy to make an informed decision.

Research the Company:

While price is important, don't solely focus on finding the lowest rate. Check customer reviews, claims handling processes, financial strength, and other metrics to ensure the new company will provide reliable coverage. You can refer to resources like Bankrate insurance company reviews, The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power studies, and AM Best financial ratings to make an informed decision.

Contact Your Current Insurer:

If you're considering switching due to cost, it's worth discussing this with your current insurer first. They may be willing to match a lower offer or offer discounts to retain your business. If you decide to switch, find out about any cancellation fees and request the policy's end date in writing. Some companies may require a written request to end the policy.

Avoid a Coverage Gap:

Ensuring continuous coverage is crucial. Set your new policy's start date to be the same day your old policy ends to avoid even a single day of lapse in coverage. A gap in coverage can lead to negative consequences, including higher future insurance rates and legal penalties for driving without insurance.

Cancel Your Old Policy:

Contact your previous insurer to cancel your old policy. You may need to sign a form or speak with a customer service representative. Ask for confirmation of the cancellation in writing. If you paid for coverage in advance, you should receive a refund for the unused portion of your policy, minus any applicable cancellation fees.

Obtain Proof of Insurance:

Once you've switched, obtain your new insurance ID cards or download the digital version if your state allows it. Keep these cards in your vehicle or wallet as proof of insurance.

Inform Your Lender or Leasing Company:

If you have a car loan or lease, update your lender or leasing company about the switch. They have a financial stake in your car and will want to ensure the vehicle remains insured. Ask your new insurer to send proof of insurance to them as well.

Switching Insurance at the Right Time:

While you can switch insurance companies at any time, certain events signal an ideal time to make a change:

• Moving to a new location: Your insurance rate is influenced by your location, even if you're just moving a few blocks away.
• Adding a driver or car: Adding a new driver, especially a teenage driver, or a new vehicle to your policy can impact your rate.
• Experiencing a significant life change: Events like getting married, buying a new home, or retiring can affect your insurance rate.
• Approaching your policy renewal date: Switching at the end of your current policy term can help you avoid cancellation fees and start fresh with a new carrier.
• Seeing an increase in premiums: If your current insurer increases your premium, it may be a good time to shop around for a better rate.

In summary, switching car insurance companies can be a beneficial decision, but it requires careful research and timing. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth transition to a new insurer and potentially save money or improve your coverage.

Cancelling your old policy

Cancelling your old insurance policy is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to have a new policy in place before cancelling your old one to prevent a coverage lapse. A gap in coverage, even for a single day, can lead to negative consequences such as increased insurance rates, license suspension, fines, or even repossession of your vehicle. It is also illegal to drive without insurance in most states. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your new policy starts on the same day that your old policy ends.

Once you have your new insurance policy in place, you can begin the process of cancelling your old policy. Contact your current insurance provider by calling their customer service number, sending a written request via mail or fax, or visiting their office in person if they have a physical location nearby. Most companies will require you to speak with an agent or sign a cancellation notice to finalise the cancellation. Some companies may also charge a cancellation fee, so be sure to review the terms and conditions of your policy beforehand.

If you are switching to a new insurance provider, they may be able to assist in cancelling your old policy. They will need your old policy number and the dates of coverage, and you will need to sign a cancellation form. They can then fax the document to your old insurer on your behalf.

It is important to note that simply stopping payment on your old policy is not a recommended method of cancellation. If you do so, your insurance company will not know your intention to cancel and may continue to bill you, potentially damaging your credit score. Therefore, it is always best to proactively contact your insurance provider and request a cancellation to avoid any issues.

Customer service

Auto-Owners Insurance is a Michigan-based company that has been insuring drivers since 1916. The company offers affordable rates and extensive coverage options. Auto-Owners Insurance is only licensed in 26 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Auto-Owners Insurance has high customer satisfaction scores and was ranked first in Florida in the 2024 J.D. Power's U.S. Auto Insurance Study. The study asked customers to grade their insurer in various categories, including rates, ease of doing business, level of trust, product offerings, problem resolution, and digital channels. Auto-Owners Insurance also rated highly in the Central and Southwest U.S. but scored below average in the Southeast and North Central regions.

The company's mobile app allows customers to pay their bills, view their insurance ID, and request roadside assistance. However, customers must call an agent to file a claim, and customer service is not available during evenings or weekends. Additionally, there is no online chat feature.

For policy changes or assistance, customers can contact their local independent agency or connect to the Customer Center app 24/7. The Customer Center app provides access to policy information, billing, claims documents, and insurance ID cards. Auto-Owners Insurance also offers billing support, including options to defer the minimum amount due, change the due date, change the payment plan, or request a payment extension. Customers can reach the billing representatives by phone, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.

Discounts

Auto-Owners Insurance offers a range of discounts to help customers save on their car insurance. Here are some of the discounts available:

Multi-Policy Discount

Auto-Owners Insurance offers a discount if you have multiple policies with them, such as combining your auto insurance with a life insurance policy or another line of insurance like homeowners, renters, or motorcycle insurance. This is known as the "Life Multi-Policy Discount."

Payment History Discount

If you have consistently paid your premiums on time for the last 36 months, you may be eligible for a payment history discount. This demonstrates your reliability as a customer, and Auto-Owners recognizes this by reducing your premium.

Green Discount

Auto-Owners Insurance encourages customers to go paperless by offering a "Green Discount" when you choose to receive your bills and statements online. This not only helps the environment by reducing paper waste but also streamlines the billing process.

Multi-Car Discount

Insuring more than one car on the same policy can result in significant savings. This is ideal for families with multiple vehicles or individuals who own multiple cars. By consolidating your auto insurance needs with Auto-Owners, you can take advantage of their Multi-Car Discount.

Good Student Discount

Students who excel academically can benefit from the Good Student Discount, which offers up to a 20% reduction in premiums. To qualify, students must maintain a "B" grade point average or better and meet any additional eligibility criteria set by their agent.

Student Away at School Discount

If you have a driver on your policy who attends school more than 100 miles away from where the insured car is parked, you may be eligible for the Student Away at School Discount. This discount recognizes that the student driver is unlikely to use the vehicle regularly, reducing the risk of accidents and claims.

Teen Driver Monitoring Discount

Auto-Owners Insurance encourages safe driving habits among teenagers by offering a discount for vehicles equipped with a permanently installed Global Positioning System (GPS) or an eligible smartphone app that monitors driving behavior. This not only helps parents keep an eye on their teen's driving but also promotes safer driving practices.

Paid-in-Full Discount

Paying your policy premium in full and on time can result in additional savings through the Paid-in-Full Discount. This discount rewards customers who are able to make a one-time payment for their entire policy, reducing administrative costs for Auto-Owners.

Advance Quote Discount

New applicants who request a premium quote before the effective date of their policy may qualify for the Advance Quote Discount. This incentivizes customers to plan ahead and provides Auto-Owners with an opportunity to offer competitive rates.

Safety Feature Discount

Vehicles equipped with certain safety features, such as anti-lock brake systems (ABS), airbags, or anti-theft devices, may be eligible for the Safety Feature Discount. Auto-Owners recognizes that these safety features can reduce the severity of accidents and the likelihood of theft, leading to lower insurance claims.

Favorable Loss History Discount

If you have a positive claims history and have not filed an excessive number of claims, you may qualify for the Favorable Loss History Discount. This discount rewards customers who have demonstrated a lower risk profile by incurring fewer losses over time.

TrueRide Discount (Ohio Only)

Auto-Owners Insurance offers a unique discount for drivers in Ohio called the TrueRide Discount. By allowing Auto-Owners to track their driving habits, including mileage, braking, and acceleration, Ohio drivers can receive a discount on their insurance. This program encourages safe and responsible driving while offering an opportunity for savings.

Frequently asked questions