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When it comes to their dealings with their auto insurers, many drivers may simply not take the time to place a call to their company unless they have a claim to file. However, there are far more times when it might be wise for a policyholder to talk to their insurance provider, or agent, that will have some sort of effect on their premiums. Likewise, though, it might be wise for insurance agents themselves to call clients from time to time. This way, they can touch base, and find out about potential changes to their clients' personal situations that might end up altering their policies.

There are reasons both legal and financial for consumers to talk to their auto insurance providers when they make a major change, according to a report from Atlanta television station WGCL. For instance, when consumers move, their premiums could change significantly, either up or down, depending upon a number of factors. For instance, if the area to which a driver moves is closer to their place of business, that means they'll be driving less - or not at all - for their commutes, which means that their premiums would likely go down. However, if they move farther away, or to a neighborhood where there's greater risk of accidents or break-ins, their costs could go up. However, not alerting a company to such a change could result in fines or even jail time if the insurer determines that the lack of notification was intentional.

What else can cause problems?
Likewise, when a teenager gets his or her license for the first time, they must be added to the policy regardless of whether they're going to drive a family vehicle, or their own, the report said. That, too, can constitute insurance fraud in certain instances, or could simply lead to the company dropping the policy altogether.

Finally, consumers who still have full coverage on their older cars that have relatively little value might want to reconsider, the report said. In those cases where the car isn't worth very much, dropping collision and comprehensive insurance but keeping liability coverage is often a wise, money-saving decision.

Agents who can both keep consumers' costs for auto insurance down while simultaneously providing high-quality customer service will likely be the ones who have the most success in terms of retaining clients, as these are typically the two things people value most from their policy providers.

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