I get the temptation to chase the lowest rate, but have you ever actually had to file a claim with one of those bargain-basement companies? That’s where the real test is. I’ve learned the hard way that saving a few bucks up front can cost you way more down the line if the coverage isn’t solid or the claims process is a nightmare. For me, I’d rather pay a bit more for a company that’s actually going to show up when things go sideways. Does anyone really read all those policy details, though? I feel like half the time, you don’t know what’s missing until you need it...
I totally get what you mean about not knowing what’s missing until you need it. I had a client last year who went with a super cheap policy, thinking it was all the same. When their basement flooded, the company dragged their feet for weeks and then denied half the claim over some fine print. Ever since, I always tell folks to actually skim through the exclusions section—yeah, it’s boring, but it can save a ton of headaches. Sometimes paying a bit more really does buy peace of mind.
Had a client who thought all policies were created equal until a raccoon decided to take up residence in their attic. Turns out, “wildlife damage” was excluded in the fine print—who knew? They saved a few bucks upfront but spent way more fixing the mess. I always say, insurance contracts are like those IKEA manuals... skip the details and you might end up with extra screws (or a big headache). Sometimes it really is worth paying for less hassle later.
Can’t say I blame your client—insurance paperwork is a snooze and those exclusions are buried like treasure. I learned the hard way too, but with squirrels. They chewed through some wiring, and my “comprehensive” policy turned out to be not-so-comprehensive after all. Ever since, I actually read the boring bits (well, skim them at least). I still shop around every couple years, but now I always ask about the weird stuff. Turns out, the devil really is in the details...
I’m right there with you on reading the fine print, even if it’s a total slog. When I bought my place last year, I made a spreadsheet to compare every little clause—my friends think I’m nuts, but hey, I’m not getting burned by “acts of raccoon” or whatever next. It’s wild how vague some policies are about stuff you’d never think of until it happens.
