Insurance shopping tips

No matter what type of insurance you're shopping for, these general guidelines will help you along the way.

• Check with several insurance companies and agents before making a final decision. Also, for guide purposes, there are insurance services available via the Web or with toll-free numbers that provide comparison shopping assistance. General information is also available from the Ohio Department of Insurance at www.ohioinsurance.gov.

• When making an insurance inquiry, be sure to provide the same information to each company or agent that you call, including extra coverages you might want or need.

• Ask about claims handling procedures, how long they've been in business, and, if it's a company, ask about its financial stability or ratings. Click here for a list of companies providing rating services.

• Ask friends and family members for agent or company recommendations.

• If you've been satisfied with your insurance carrier's service in the past, it's not always a wise to jump to another provider just to save a few dollars.

• Ask your insurer about available discounts and eligibility requirements. Click here for a list of potential auto insurance discounts.

Auto insurance tips
Homeowners insurance tips