# 11 · Insurance re-quote checklist (car, home, renters)

**The pattern:** many insurers raise premiums at renewal and rely on you not checking. The fix is a yearly 45-minute re-quote. This isn't advice on what cover you need. It's a process to make sure you're not overpaying for the cover you already chose.

## Step 1 · Collect (10 minutes)
- [ ] Current policy "declarations page" / schedule (shows cover, limits, deductibles/excess)
- [ ] This year's premium vs. last year's: [OLD] → [NEW] ([+X%])
- [ ] Renewal date: [DATE]. Start re-quoting **3–4 weeks before**.
- [ ] Drivers, vehicles, mileage, address, claims in last 5 years
- [ ] Home: rebuild value, security features, roof age (US)

## Step 2 · Like-for-like quotes (25 minutes)
Get **at least 3 quotes** with **exactly the same** cover, limits and deductibles as your current policy. Write them here:

| Insurer | Premium | Same limits? | Same deductible/excess? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current: [NAME] | [ ] | ✔ | ✔ | renewal price |
| [QUOTE 1] | [ ] | | | |
| [QUOTE 2] | [ ] | | | |
| [QUOTE 3] | [ ] | | | |

Sources: insurer websites, an independent agent/broker (US), comparison sites (UK: several major ones; Italy: IVASS lists authorized insurers at ivass.it, and comparison sites exist for RC auto).

## Step 3 · Levers to ask about
- [ ] Higher deductible / excess (only if you could pay it tomorrow)
- [ ] Bundle car + home/renters
- [ ] Pay annually instead of monthly (monthly often costs more in total)
- [ ] Discounts: safe driver, low mileage, telematics app, good student, alarm/smoke detectors, professional/association membership
- [ ] Remove cover you don't need anymore (e.g., rental car reimbursement if you have a second car; collision on a very old car: do the math)
- [ ] Correct details: mileage, job, address, parking. Wrong details can mean a wrong price **or** a rejected claim. Be accurate.

## Step 4 · Call your current insurer (use template 05 or this)

> "Hi, my renewal went from [OLD] to [NEW]. I have like-for-like quotes from [INSURER] at [PRICE] and [INSURER] at [PRICE]. I'd prefer to stay. Can you review my premium and discounts and get closer to [PRICE]?"

## Step 5 · Switch cleanly
- [ ] New policy **starts before** the old one ends (never a gap, especially for car insurance)
- [ ] Cancel the old one in writing, ask for a refund of unused premium if you paid annually
- [ ] Stop the old direct debit only after the insurer confirms cancellation

## Country notes
- **UK:** since 1 January 2022, FCA rules ban insurers from quoting renewing home and motor customers more than they'd quote an equivalent new customer through the same channel. Re-quoting still pays: other insurers may be cheaper.
- **Italy:** RC auto contracts don't auto-renew ("tacito rinnovo" was abolished for RC auto), so you can switch at expiry; check your expiry date and the grace period.
- **US:** rules vary by state. Your state insurance department handles complaints.

Calendar reminder: **[RENEWAL DATE minus 30 days], every year**: "Re-quote insurance, template 11."