How to choose the right insurance company

If you've read our "10 Steps to Buying Insurance" article, you should have a pretty good idea of how much car insurance to buy and how to find a low-cost policy. But how do you make sure that the company you sign on with is going to be reliable? When we say "reliable," we're talking about how the insurer treats you, the customer. Most importantly, how will the company deal with you when you file a claim?

To help answer this question, we consulted two insurance experts: Dennis Howard, director of the Insurance Consumer Advocate Network (I-CAN) and a retired insurance adjuster, and Doug Heller, a consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights, a California-based consumer advocacy group. Both had several ideas for consumers determined to make sure their car insurance investment is directed toward a trustworthy company, one that will pay on time and in full.these are some of the very important points you hav to follow:

1) Visit your state's department of insurance Web site.

2) Find out which insurers body shops recommend.

3) Check the J.D. Power Ratings.

4) Consider insurers' financial strength ratings.

5) Still confused? Consider working with an agent.