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The concept of insurance was started by Benjamin Franklin in 1751. Back then, it was used to protect buildings and property from fire damage. Fast-forward about 270 years, though, and it seems like there’s an insurance policy for anything and everything (like a quarterback’s arm, for example). Rates, bundles, discounts, policies...where do you start, and how can you be sure you’re getting the best auto insurance for you, your family, and your vehicle?

Our All About The Car Podcast Team sat down with Nick Arnoldy and Cory Hoffmann of Marshfield Insurance to get the nitty-gritty details on auto insurance. Read on for expert advice – and 5 things you probably didn’t know – about car insurance! Plus, listen to the full conversation in the podcast episode at AllAboutTheCarPodcast.com.

• Tenure – how long have they been in the business? 
• Professional Designations – do they have areas of emphasis? How are they involved in the industry and community? 
• Office Details – do they work with a captivated agency (sell one brand of insurance) or an independent agency (sell multiple brands of insurance)? 
• Reviews – check out reviews from clients online. Think Google and Facebook! 
• Financial Strength – how established and stable is the agency? We suggest no less than an A- rated carrier. 
• Claim Satisfaction Rating – how happy are clients with the outcome of claims? An agency with 98-99% claim satisfaction is very promising.  

• Determining what’s important to you and your family 
• Sorting through insurance options, bundles, and features 
• Finding the carrier best suited for you and your needs 
• Answering any questions and keeping you updated on changes or new offerings 

• Discounts – many plans offer reduced pricing through occupational discounts, good student discounts or paid-in-full discounts. Always ask your agent! 
• Keep a Clean Record – a history of accidents, violations and claims will increase your insurance cost 
• Credit Score – Having a higher credit score has been shown to correlate with a lower number of claims, resulting in a more affordable cost for you 
• Distance & Frequency of Travel – Driving less frequently or traveling fewer miles can help decrease your policy rate. For instance, if you drive 2 miles to work, you may be able to pay less than someone who travels 45 minutes each way. 
• Dashboard Cameras – these gadgets can be helpful in the case of an accident with no witnesses