Annual Review Checklist: What to Ask Your Car Insurer (2025)

Why an Annual Review Is Essential

Most drivers sign up for car insurance, set up automatic payments, and never think twice until renewal notices arrive. But life changes all the time. You could buy a new car, move to a different ZIP code, change jobs, or even start working remotely. Each of these adjustments can affect your car insurance rates and coverage needs.

An annual car insurance review is your chance to make sure your policy matches your lifestyle, vehicle, and budget. Think of it like a health check-up—but for your insurance. Just as you wouldn’t skip a doctor’s appointment, you shouldn’t skip reviewing your policy.

Regular reviews help you: catch coverage gaps before they cost you, ensure you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage, and take advantage of new discounts you may now qualify for.

Even better, tools like Beem make the process easier. Instead of juggling quotes manually, the app compares multiple insurers at once, helping you spot savings opportunities without the hassle. So, what exactly should you ask during your annual policy review? Let’s walk through a complete checklist.

Questions to Ask During Your Annual Car Insurance Review

When you meet with your insurer or review your policy, these questions will help uncover hidden opportunities for better coverage or lower rates.

Coverage Needs

Do I still have the right balance of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage?
Your liability limits protect you financially if you cause an accident. Collision coverage covers repairs after a crash, and comprehensive coverage covers theft, fire, or weather damage. Keeping collision and comprehensive coverage may be essential if your car is newer or financed. But if your vehicle is older, it may not make sense to keep paying for full coverage.

Should I adjust my limits based on my car’s value or financial situation?
If your net worth has grown or you own more assets, you should raise liability limits for stronger protection. On the flip side, if you’re driving a car worth only $2,000, carrying $500 deductibles may not be cost-effective.

Discounts and Savings

Am I getting all the discounts I qualify for?
Insurers offer dozens of discounts: safe driver, multi-policy (home + auto), student, low mileage, telematics-based (driving app), senior, and more. You could be missing out if you haven’t asked in a while.

Have new discounts become available this year?
Some insurers update their programs annually. For instance, more companies now offer discounts for hybrid or EV drivers, paperless billing, or even military affiliation.

Deductibles

Should I raise or lower my deductible to better fit my finances?
A higher deductible can lower your premiums, but you’ll pay more out of pocket after a claim. On the other hand, if you’d struggle to pay $1,000 suddenly, a lower deductible may be safer—even if your premiums are slightly higher.

How would that affect my premiums?
Ask your insurer for side-by-side comparisons. Raising a deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save very little, while in other cases, it could shave hundreds off your yearly costs.

Driving Habits

Have my annual miles changed?
If you switched to remote work, started commuting again, or drove for rideshare platforms like Uber, your insurance needs have changed. Annual mileage is a major factor in rate calculation.

Would switching to usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance save me money?
Using usage-based policies can dramatically lower costs if you drive fewer than 8,000–10,000 miles annually. Telematics programs also reward safe drivers with discounts of 10–30%.

Claims and Rate Increases

How long will past claims or tickets affect my premiums?
Most accidents and violations stay on your record for 3–5 years, but it varies by state and insurer. Knowing when they’ll drop off helps you plan for future rate decreases.

Is accident forgiveness available to me?
Some insurers waive the first at-fault accident surcharge, which can save hundreds or thousands. It’s worth asking if you’re eligible.

Add-Ons and Optional Coverages

Should I consider roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or GAP insurance?
These add-ons can provide peace of mind. Roadside assistance helps with breakdowns, and rental reimbursement covers a rental car. At the same time, yours is being repaired, and GAP insurance pays the difference between your loan balance and your car’s value after a total loss.

Do I need special EVs, classic cars, or rideshare driving coverage?
Electric vehicles often require higher coverage for batteries and charging equipment. Classic cars may need agreed-value coverage. Rideshare drivers need a policy that bridges the gap between personal and commercial insurance.

Insurer Reputation

How is the company’s claims satisfaction rating?
Premiums are important, but so is service. If your insurer has poor reviews for claims handling, you may be better off switching.

Are there better options available in my state?
Insurance regulations vary by state, so an insurer that is competitive in one region may not be in another. Comparing options helps ensure you’re not settling for second-best.

Red Flags That It’s Time to Switch Insurers

Sometimes, an annual review reveals problems that are too big to ignore. These red flags suggest it may be time to explore other insurers before you renew:

1. Premiums increased without a clear reason: If your driving habits, address, and claims history haven’t changed, unexplained hikes are a warning sign. Insurers adjust rates based on broader market factors if the increase feels excessive.

2. Poor claims experience: Your insurance isn’t just about paying premiums—it’s about how the company treats you when you need help most. If your insurer delayed, denied, or complicated your last claim, moving to a company with a reputation for fast, fair claims service may be smarter.

3. Insurer doesn’t offer eligible discounts: A company that fails to reward safe driving, loyalty, or responsible habits leaves money on the table. Missing out on available discounts means paying more than necessary for the same protection.

4. Other insurers offering better coverage for less: If Beem or another comparison tool shows you could save hundreds—or even thousands—without reducing coverage, that’s a clear sign it’s time to consider switching. With today’s digital tools, finding a better deal has never been easier.

Regularly checking for these red flags ensures you’re not stuck with an overpriced or unresponsive insurer when better options are available.

How to Prepare Before the Review

To get the most out of your annual review, a little preparation goes a long way.

Gather your current declarations page. This document outlines your coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums.
Note any lifestyle changes. A new job, a recent move, a teen driver in the household, or upgrades to your car all affect rates.
Estimate your annual mileage. Insurers base part of your premium on how much you drive.
List any recent claims. Having this information handy speeds up discussions and helps you know where you stand.

By organizing this information in advance, you’ll be ready to make informed decisions during your review.

How Beem Simplifies the Annual Review

Doing an annual review doesn’t have to be overwhelming. That’s where Beem comes in.

Instant comparisons: Beem quickly compares quotes from multiple insurers, giving you a clear view of how your current policy compares.
It compares savings opportunities: It highlights where you may be overpaying or missing discounts.
Actionable recommendations: Instead of vague suggestions, Beem shows you specific insurers that might better fit your needs.

Before renewing, check car insurance quotes with Beem to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

FAQs – Annual Car Insurance Reviews

How often should I review my car insurance policy?

At least once a year, ideally before renewal. Major life changes like buying a car, moving, or adding a driver should also trigger a review.

Can I switch insurers mid-policy if I find a better rate?

Yes. Most insurers allow you to cancel anytime, and you may even get a refund for unused premiums.

What life changes should trigger a policy review?

There are many reasons to review, including moving to a new ZIP code, buying or selling a vehicle, changing jobs, getting married, or adding a teen driver.

Does an annual review hurt my credit score?

No. Insurance reviews involve a “soft inquiry” that doesn’t impact your credit.

How much can I realistically save by shopping around yearly?

Drivers often save hundreds of dollars per year by switching. Even small monthly savings add up significantly over time.

Conclusion – Stay Covered, Stay Smart

Your car insurance shouldn’t be a set-it-and-forget-it expense. Life changes, driving habits shift, and insurers update their policies yearly. Reviewing your policy annually protects you from coverage gaps, unnecessary costs, and missed discounts.

Asking the right questions ensures your insurance matches your life today—not the life you had when you first signed up.

And with tools like Beem, you don’t have to handle the review alone. The app helps you instantly compare insurers, uncover savings, and secure coverage that fits your needs. Download the app now!

Annual Policy Review Checklist: What to Ask Your Car Insurer

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