Let’s be honest — shopping for insurance isn’t exactly on anyone’s “fun weekend plans” list. But here’s the thing: life changes, insurance companies change, and rates definitely change. What worked for you last year (or even last month!!) might not be the best fit anymore.
At BIG Agency, we’re big believers in checking in on your coverage when it actually matters. So here are five great times to shop your insurance and why doing so can save you money, stress, and BIG surprises later!
When You’ve Been With the Same Company for More Than a Year
Loyalty is great… but it doesn’t always pay when it comes to insurance.
Many carriers offer their best pricing to brand new customers, which means long-time policyholders can slowly see rates creep up over time (even with no claims or tickets). If you’ve been with the same company for a year or many years, it’s a smart time to compare options.
The good news? As an independent agency, we can shop multiple insurance companies for you to make sure you’re still getting the best value with just one phone call. Shopping doesn’t mean switching, it just means making sure you’re still in a competitive spot. So just give us a call and we’ll take the wheel!
When You Add a Newly Licensed Driver 🚗
Congrats (and deep breaths 😅)!
Adding a teen or newly licensed driver can cause a noticeable jump in your auto premium. Different insurance companies rate young drivers very differently, (including good student discounts and discounts for taking driver’s ed!) so this is one of the most important times to shop.
It’s also important to know that insurance companies require you to list or exclude all licensed drivers in your household – even if they “never drive your car.” Keeping this updated helps avoid coverage issues and surprises later. We can help you find carriers that are more forgiving with youthful drivers, good student discounts, or better family bundling options.
When You Get Married 💍
Marriage isn’t just a life milestone — it’s an insurance one too.
Many carriers offer lower rates for married drivers, multiple vehicles, and combining auto, home, or renters policies can unlock multi-policy discounts. Plus, insurance companies require you to list your spouse on your policy, so it’s the perfect time to make sure everything is set up correctly.
Bonus: fewer policies to manage = fewer headaches.
When You Buy a New Home or Move 🏡
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or moving to a new area, this is always a good time to shop.
Home values, rebuild costs, location risks, and even zip codes can impact your rate. In fact, some zip codes are actually cheaper than others and could save you BIG money — something most people don’t expect. Did you know some companies offer a first time home buyer discount? Others give you a discount for building a brand new home! And if you’re already buying homeowners insurance, it’s the perfect moment to re-shop your auto insurance too. Bundling often saves more than people think.
When Your Life (or Budget) Changes
This one catches a lot of people off guard.
Got a new job? That could be a discount! Working from home now? Discount for less miles per year! Paying off a car? Maybe we can remove GAP insurance. Feeling the pinch from rising costs and need to trim expenses? We can change coverage or raise deductibles!
Even changes at home matter! Adding a pool, trampoline, or other “fun upgrades” can affect your insurance rates, so please tell us when those things pop up. If your lifestyle looks different than it did a year ago, your policy probably should too.
Time for a Quick Insurance Check-Up?
Shopping your insurance doesn’t have to be complicated, awkward, or time-consuming especially when you’ve got an independent agency like us on your side!
At BIG Agency, we do the comparing for you, explain your options in plain English, and make sure your coverage actually fits your life and budget right now (not five years ago!).
If any of these situations sound familiar, it might be time for a quick insurance check-up. And even if nothing changes, peace of mind is still a win. 😊 Let’s start your new year off right! Call us for a free review today! 513-831-4544