Everyone loves saving money. And Dave Ramsey has lots of ideas for cutting back expenses—everything from brown bagging lunches to buying beater cars.
But there’s one tip that Dave’s fans absolutely love. Every time we mention it, people thank us because they save hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars.
Maybe you’ve heard it before. If so, bear with us—many folks are just getting to know Dave. Or perhaps you’ve heard it and never tried it. If that’s you, we encourage you to go for it!
So what’s everyone’s favorite tip? Shop for insurance with the help of an independent insurance agent.
The Difference Is in the Name
Why is an independent insurance agent such a great money-saver? Because they’re not limited to a single provider’s options. With access to a whole network of insurers, an independent agent casts a wider net to find you the best deals on the coverage that’s right for you. It’s like having your own personal shopper!
And you can feel confident knowing your independent agent doesn’t have a dog in the hunt when it comes to which provider or policy you choose. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Old Policies Aren’t Necessarily Better
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that things change. Yet many people treat their insurance policy like a bottle of wine that just gets better with age. And that mistake could cost them. More than 30% of policyholders haven’t touched base with their insurance agent in the past year, which means they could be missing out on new discounts or opportunities to match their coverage to their current circumstances.
Change can be hard, but it’s worth it. Take it from Zach D. After 15 years with the same auto insurance company—a legacy from his early days of driving—he decided to give an independent agent a try. And now his family is saving $1,200 a year on the exact same coverage. “I can’t believe I waited so long to shop prices!” he said.
It’s About More Than Your Bottom Line
Saving money is awesome. But cutting costs shouldn’t mean cutting corners. A true pro takes time to walk you through your coverage options so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Sadly, this basic level of service isn’t always part of the package. A recent survey found that 61% of respondents don’t fully understand the details of their insurance policies. That’s crazy! You should know what you’re paying for. No one wants to be surprised in the middle of a crisis when you’re trying to file a claim.
You also shouldn’t have to sacrifice your coverage quality to save a buck. Brandi H. decided it was time to shop around after her family’s premiums went up 10%, so she called her local independent insurance agent. “I not only cut our rate by 20% but also got increased coverage with lower deductibles!” Brandi said.
Start Saving Today
Think about what you could do with hundreds of extra dollars a year. Would you knock out your debt snowball? Boost your retirement fund? The possibilities are endless! So what are you waiting for?
Source: www.daveramsey.com
