E

ven if you know exactly how much insurance you want or need, there’s another crucial element in this process. You have to find the combination of a great insurance agent AND insurance company that will provide the coverage you want at the right price point.

An insurance agent can be invaluable in helping find the right company.

* Note. There are tens of thousands of insurance agents representing thousands of insurance companies in this country that sell auto, homeowners and other coverages individuals need. No two companies offer all of the exact same policies. Some companies want only certain types of drivers or homeowners. Some offer higher limits. Some offer what might be described as bare-bones coverage.

* Note. There are at least six different coverages that are part of auto insurance!

* Note. Homeowners insurance policies have limits on what they will cover in terms of possessions, particularly jewelry, fine art and computer equipment. Many insurers offer substantial discounts (10%, even 20%) if you insure both your auto and homeowners policies with them at the same time!

Does the insurance company offer what is called, an "umbrella" policy, which provides additional liability coverage over the limits of your homeowners and auto policies? Do you even need an umbrella policy?

How do you find what’s best for you?

You could shop on the Internet for insurance. There are numerous sites that have price quotes for auto, homeowners and life insurance policies. But what coverage is available under these policies? And how can you be sure that you’re buying enough coverage? Who can you call to ask questions to, or get advice from if you get stuck or are unsure about how a particular coverage works, what it covers and all the contingencies associated with it?