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SaveSmart Guide to Insurance Value- What are You Really Paying For?
Jeff Ryan - CLU, ChFC, AIA, CIC, CPCU
September 17, 2025
Part 1: What Are You Really Paying For?
That number of the bottom of your insurance quote or bill is far from the whole story.
The real question is: Are you receiving the Coverage, Advice and Advocacy you deserve?
Price is only part of the equation. The other part? Making sure your properly protected and backed by people who care.
And it’s where smart decisions—what we call Savesmart—can lead to better protection and long-term savings
Why “Cheapest” Can Be Costly
A low premium might seem like a win, but often, it comes with missing pieces:
- Lower limits that leave you under-protected
- Coverages or endorsements you assumed were included
- Service that disappears when you file a claim
- A company that may not stand strong when it matters most
Saving a little upfront can mean losing a lot later.
We’ll explore these hidden costs more deeply in the next part of this series.
What’s Built Into the Price?
Behind every insurance premium are key components that vary significantly by company and agency. The number on your invoice should include more than just unknown coverage; it should bring peace of mind.
Here’s what you’re really paying for:
- Coverage Limits – The maximum your policy will pay after a covered event.
- Coverage Details & Endorsements – The “fine print” that fills real-world gaps.
- Claims Service – How quickly and fairly your claim is handled.
- Company Stability – The financial strength to keep promises.
- Your Agent’s Guidance – Advice, advocacy, and answers year-round.
We'll explore coverage limits and endorsements more deeply in upcoming parts of this series, but know that these details can make all the difference when a claim hits.
“Insurance Protection You Can Rely On” isn’t just a slogan. It’s the heart of true insurance value.
A Real-World Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at two auto insurance quotes, highlighting differences we see every day:
Quote A: $900/year per car
- Bare-bones state minimum liability
- Minimal medical and wage coverage
- No rental car protection
- Limited customer service, often with no dedicated local support
Quote B: $1,000/year
- Higher liability limits—essential protection from lawsuits
- Medical expense and lost wage coverage while you recover
- Full rental reimbursement while your car is in the shop
- Towing and roadside assistance when you’re stranded
- A regional company with local agent support, people who know your circumstances and care about your outcome
That extra $100 could be the difference between peace of mind and financial failure.
Value isn’t just what you pay, it’s what you’re able to
keep when life takes a turn.
The Savesmart Way to Shop Insurance
At The Ryan Agencies, we encourage clients to think beyond the bottom line. But yes, we care about what you pay. That’s why we serve as your local insurance inflation fighters.
Our Great 8 Savesmart concepts are proven strategies to manage cost without sacrificing protection. They include:
- Defensive Driving Courses – Easy, automatic discounts
- Bundling – Combine policies, unlock savings
- Choosing Proper Deductibles – Avoid “nickel-and-dime” pricing traps
- Pay-in-Full Options – Save for your financial discipline
- Avoiding Small Claims – Protect your long-term rating
- Adjusting Older Vehicle Coverage – Don’t over-insure aging cars
- Discount Reviews – We help uncover hidden opportunities
- Credit Awareness – Understand how credit-based insurance scores affect what you pay
These aren’t gimmicks. They are the powerful tools that we help you use to achieve the best price and protection, now and into the future.
Ask Better Questions, Get Better Coverage
Instead of just asking, “How much is it?” consider these:
- What happens to me and my family if a major unexpected loss happens?
- Do I have the right coverage limits, not just coverage labels?
- Do I have the right endorsements—those small add-ons that fill big gaps?
- Is this company dependable? Can I reach someone when I need help?
- Am I working with an agent who knows my goals and understands the risks?
Smart insurance buyers don’t just shop—they plan. That’s what real savings and real protection look like.
A Partner You Can Rely On
Insurance isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about people.
The right relationship, with the right coverage, from the right company… that’s what you’re paying for. And that’s what we deliver at The Ryan Agencies.
“Because Insurance Protection You Can Rely On” isn’t just a slogan; it’s the standard we strive for in every policy and every conversation.
Coming Up in the Series
Next, we’ll take a closer look at the true cost of “cheap” insurance, especially when it leaves you under-covered.
Next Up: Part 2: The Risks of Chasing Cheap
The real results and cost of “cheap”
Together, let’s build value…
Call, visit, or see RyanAgency.com for Insurance Protection You Can Rely On.
This article may have been originally published at Quora.com.
To see Jeff's Quora.com profile click here.
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