4 Common Types of Insurance and How They Work

Insurance is something you don't necessarily have to pay for, but you will be very glad you did when you need it. The highs and lows of life both come as surprises and making sure you're prepared for them is one of the keys to a good, long life.

Some insurance options are more immediately important than others, so it's a good idea to review the most common ones.

Auto Insurance

There are only two states where car insurance is not mandated by law for drivers. That means you'll need it, but what exactly gets covered?

• Liability Insurance covers any injuries, damage to property, or legal defense if you're found to be at fault
• Underinsured Driver Insurance comes in handy if someone with an illegally low level of coverage causes an accident with you
• Collision Insurance repairs your vehicle after a collision, or makes a replacement if repair is impossible

Home Insurance

There are no state laws requiring homeowner's insurance. That being said, if you finance your home, there's a good chance your lender will insist on you purchasing insurance so that their interests are protected. 

Without this insurance, you are responsible for any damage your home incurs from fires, floods, molds, or other instances.

Medicare Insurance

Medicare is a country-wide government-controlled health insurance program. It covers people 65 years of age or older, as well as some exceptions, like the disabled. 

In general, Medicare insurance helps cover the costs of hospital stays, medical bills, and prescription drugs. Be sure to check with your state marketplace site to find out your eligibility.

Life Insurance

This one is especially important if people depend financially on you. If the primary earner in your home passed away, would those that remain face financial hardship? The aim of life insurance is to prevent that.

Life insurance can be divided into two categories:

1. Term coverage locks your rate in for a certain time - 5 years, 10 years, etc. Once the policy ends, you can renew it, although the rates will probably start out higher than before.

2. Permanent coverage, as the name implies, extends throughout your life. Alongside the benefit delivered after passing, there's a cash value figure involved. As the value grows, you can take money out via a withdrawal or a loan. You can obtain the entire cash value if you end the policy but be prepared for charges and fees.

Figuring out what insurance you need and which plans to go with can overwhelm you. Fortunately, insurance brokers can come in handy by helping you make a more informed decision before you start spending money.

How to Find the Best Deal on Insurance for Your Needs

No matter what type of insurance you may need, it is of course important that you get it at the best possible price. Whether it is auto, home, life, or other types of insurance, having the best coverage at the best price is a quick ticket to giving you and perhaps your family peace of mind. To make sure you get the best deal on insurance, always follow these suggestions.

Choose a Reputable Company

For whatever type of insurance you may need, always choose to work with a reputable company. When you find the insurance coverage you think maybe just what you need, never commit yourself until you have examined a company's ratings via such organizations as A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's, which will let you know if a company is financially stable. 

After all, you don't want to take out insurance coverage, only to find out later on when you need it that the company can't pay.

Always Shop Around

Rather than get fixated on doing business with one specific company, always be willing to shop around before making a final decision. Since it is very easy to get information online about various types of insurance, always get an insurance quote from several different companies before selecting what is right for you. 

In many cases, you may be able to save even more if you decide to bundle your insurance, such as purchasing home and auto insurance from the same company.

Know What You Actually Need

Once you start looking around at various types of insurance, you may start seeing various policies that sound good, but maybe more than what you actually require. 

Thus, always do your homework beforehand so that once you start examining various policies, you'll know exactly what you need. This is particularly important if you are a business owner since there are multiple types of liability insurance available.

Cheapest Isn't Always Best

Even though it will be tempting for you to grab the cheapest policy offer made to you, remember that cheapest doesn't always translate to being the best coverage. 

Therefore, rather than sign up for a cheap policy that you find out too late doesn't give you the coverage you need, be willing to spend a few dollars more for a policy that provides you with complete coverage.

By taking your time in your search for the best insurance coverage, you can get answers to your most important questions and ultimately find the best deal on a great policy.