2torial #0641:
Learn2 Buy Renter's Insurance (continued)

Shop for a company and agent

Once you know what you want, look for a company and agent you feel you can work with over the long term. If you already have auto or other insurance with a company you like, find out if it offers renter's insurance (you may also get a price break this way).

To find other possible insurers:

• Ask your friends and associates to recommend companies or specific agents.

• Call your state or provincial department of insurance and ask which companies in your area offer renter's insurance (find this government office in your telephone book's government pages).

• Search for insurers in your phone book or online (type "renter's"--or "tenant's"--"insurance" and the name of your city, province, or state into an Internet search engine).

Judge possible insurers according to the following:

Reliability. Insurance rating services grade insurance companies according to their financial soundness, from AAA (the best) to F. Don't consider companies that don't have high ratings.

Reputation. Check with your local department of insurance to see if a company has a history of customer complaints. The company itself may be able to provide you with articles, customer surveys, or other documents relating to its customer service record.

Talk to friends or associates who use the company, too. Their experiences, good and bad, can be telling. Call each potential insurer's customer service and sales lines, as well. If you encounter long hold time, unprofessional workers, and difficulty getting information when you're shopping, chances are you'll suffer the same when trying to file a claim.