Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Tips on shopping for insurance

Shopping for insurance can feel like a big job - there are so many options - but all your time and effort will pay off if you ever need to file a claim. Following are some tips for finding insurance that is right for you:

  • Know what the plan covers and what it does not. For example, most homeowners policies cover fire damage and injuries that happen at your home, but do not cover damages from earthquakes or floods.
  • Compare apples to apples. Not all plans are the same. Some cover more than others, some have higher deductibles. Know the details before you choose a policy.
  • Ask questions. If you don't understand a term or some other part of your policy ask your agent or broker to explain it until it makes sense.
  • If one agent can't find coverage for you, shop around. No single agent or broker has access to all insurers. Even if one can't find you coverage, another may be able to.
  • Make sure it's legitimate. Check out your insurance company and your agent or broker to make sure they are licensed to do business in Washington.

Tips for specific types of insurance

If you are in the market for a specific type of insurance, check out these publications for tips on what to look for, what questions to ask and, in some cases, what to shy away from:


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