So, your driving has gotten a little rusty, and it’s time for some training. Or, perhaps you’ve been ordered to take a course. Either way, we don’t judge, but we do want you to choose a course that’s right for you.

Your reason for taking the course may play a significant role in the one you choose.

If you’re looking to potentially save on your car insurance, your insurer may only recognize certain courses. Likewise, not every defensive driving course is valid or accepted in every state. That means, if you are taking one to dismiss a ticket or remove points from your driving record, you will need to learn from the court or appropriate state department (such as vehicle licensing) which courses are approved.

Here are three more tips to help you find the right course for your needs and your budget:

1. Consider your learning style
You’ll get more out of your defensive driving course if you choose one with a learning environment that works for you. You can complete an online course from the comfort of your own home, for example, but classroom options may also be available, depending on your area and the course material.

Online courses offer convenience, save time and may also cost less than in-person classes. However, classroom options might offer additional interaction or fit your learning style better. Either option can range from 4-12 hours over one day or several days.

2. Look at reviews
State-approved courses will likely have the most useful course material, but searching online review sites such as Yelp and others may help you find other quality options for defensive driving or accident prevention training. Keep in mind that people might be more inclined to post negative reviews, particularly if they felt forced to take a course to avoid a ticket.

3. Determine whether the cost is worth it
Courses range widely in cost, again depending on your area and the course material, as well as whether it’s online or in person. So, if you’re taking a course primarily to save on your auto insurance, be sure to check with your carrier or agent first about how much of a car insurance discount you may receive.

For example, if you stand to save $50 on your car insurance premium each year for three years, you probably wouldn’t want to spend more than $150 on the training. And, while having to take a state-approved course may limit your choices, potentially resulting in a higher cost, it may be worth it if it keeps a ticket off your driving record.

There’s a key benefit to defensive driving courses beyond ticket avoidance and insurance discounts, though: Your driving may improve! You’ll possibly learn about new laws, be reminded of some things you’ve forgotten and get an overall refresher on good, safe driving. And, that’s worthwhile, no matter what.

Insurance isn't something many renters give a lot of thought to. In fact, a study by the Insurance Information Institute a few years ago found that only about 31 percent of renters buy renters insurance.

If you're renting, it's worth your while to consider joining their ranks. When you rent an apartment or house, your landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings if they’re stolen or damaged. You are, and renters insurance can help.

Renters insurance can also help protect you if you’re held legally responsible for injuries to another person while they’re visiting your home. And, because the policies don't cover the building itself, premiums can be relatively inexpensive.

If you decide to look for renters insurance, here are a few questions to ask to ensure you get the coverage you want.

1. What’s covered, and for how much? Most policies cover such personal belongings as furniture, clothing, jewelry, electronics and appliances, but only up to your policy limits. So, be sure to take the value of all your belongings into account before selecting your coverage levels. It should be easy if you have a home inventory, a detailed list of all of your personal possessions along with their estimated value. An up-to-date inventory will also help to speed up and simplify the claim-filing process.
    
2. Do I need additional coverage for some of my things? Standard policies may limit coverage for such valuable items as jewelry, furs, firearms, coin collections and silverware to a set dollar amount. Computer equipment may also not be included if you use it primarily for business purposes. Supplemental coverage is typically available in both cases.
    
3. When am I covered? Typically insurance covers losses due to theft, fire, smoke, explosions and water damage due to leaky pipes and overflows. Storm and flood coverage can vary. Oftentimes, if your renters policy covers an incident inside your home, it covers it outside your home, too. So, you may have the same coverage if something valuable is stolen from your car as you would have if it were stolen from your home. Keep in mind that, for any loss, you’ll need to pay your renters insurance deductible first before your insurance coverage kicks in.
    
4. Actual cash value or replacement cost? Here’s where you want to stop and think about how you’d want to go about replacing lost, stolen or damaged items. Say you have a previous-generation TV, and it’s stolen. If you’d be okay replacing it with another previous-generation TV, then an actual cash value policy may be just fine for you. However, if you’d want to replace it with a brand new TV, you may want to think about replacement cost coverage. It typically costs about 10 percent more than actual cash value coverage, but it may be worth it to you. Essentially, actual cash value takes depreciation into account so that you are reimbursed based on what the item is worth today rather than when you bought it. Replacement cost coverage is designed to reimburse you based on what it would cost to purchase a new replacement at today’s prices.
    
5. How much liability coverage do I need? Renters insurance typically provides liability protection that pays for both the cost of defending you in court and court awards—up to the limit of your policy. A standard policy may provide at least $100,000 of liability coverage, but additional amounts are often available at a relatively low cost.
    
6. What about roommates—human and otherwise? Renters insurance automatically covers spouses and immediate family members in the same household, but a roommate must be specifically named in the policy. Be sure to keep the policy up to date; damage checks may be issued to both parties, even if one has moved out. As for dogs, check with your independent insurance agent about what kind of coverage you may have.
    
7. What if I need to move out during repairs? If you can’t live in your rented home while it’s being repaired or rebuilt after a covered loss, most renters insurance policies will help with the costs. This falls under your additional living expenses coverage. It may help with hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other expenses. Be sure to check on financial and duration limits.
    
8. How can I save on renters insurance? If you’d like to pay less for your renters insurance, consider insuring your car or personal watercraft with the same carrier as your dwelling. This often gets you a multi-policy discount. You may also elect to have a higher deductible or to pay the entire cost of your policy at once rather than spreading it out through the year. Both can help you save on renters insurance in many cases.

Sure, oftentimes when you rent you have fewer worries, such as not mowing the lawn or painting the house. But, just think how hard it would be to replace all your personal belongings at once. That’s a genuine worry – one that renters insurance can help to minimize.

One day following a particularly nasty hailstorm, you receive a knock on your front door. It’s roofing contractors, and they can replace your roof at no cost to you – it’s covered by your insurance.

Suspicious? You should be.

Roofing contractors (the not-so-reputable kind) spring into action following a storm, coaxing homeowners into okaying work that may or may not be needed and may or may not be covered by their insurance. So, despite how genuine the contractors may seem, it’s smart to remain wary until you work out a few key details. These scenarios and tips should help you sort out any confusion.

Contractors: Want to Take a Quick Look at Your Roof
You: Should Decline

The problem with this scenario is, if you let dishonest contractors onto your roof, they might do more than just look for damage. They might go so far as to cause damage. Why? They want a reason to replace your roof. There’s money in it for them, remember? So, if they don’t see a valid reason, they may attempt to create one.

When representatives from your insurance company come out to take a look, they will likely know the difference between actual storm damage and artificial damage. And, since you only have coverage for the former, according to the terms of your policy, you may have to pay out-of-pocket to repair the latter. So, leave the initial roof inspection to your insurance company or to someone you know and trust.

Contractors: Insist on Starting Work Right Away
You: Should Research, Not Rush

So, the contractors want to begin work right away and handle the insurance details later. All you need to do is sign. Not so fast. You haven’t been in touch with your insurance company, you don’t know anything about the roofers and you likely haven’t had a chance to read the fine print – all red flags.

This is when you stop and ask for the roofers’ business card and references and tell them you may be in touch. Then contact your insurance company, which can likely recommend a reputable roofing contractor in your area. If you wish, look into the other contractors’ reputation online, such as with the Better Business Bureau or other online review sources.

Contractors: Say Your Insurance Company Will Pay the Entire Cost of a New Roof
You: Need to Hear This From Your Carrier, Not a Contractor

Sure, a contractor may say you’re entitled to a new roof because a storm went through the area or because your neighbor’s getting a new roof. However, a random contractor doesn’t know the specifics of your homeowners insurance policy. That’s why it’s important to start with your insurance company when facing the need for potential roof repairs or a potential roof replacement following a storm. This allows you to understand whether or not you have coverage for the scenario at hand. It also helps you know how much you may need to pay out of your own pocket, such as your deductible. And, isn’t that nice to know upfront?

Contractors: Want You to Assign Your Insurance Benefits to Them
You: Should Be Very Cautious

Say you assign your insurance benefits to roofing contractors, who claim this will make the whole process quicker and easier. The problem here is that you may end up being scammed. The contractor may pocket the insurance money and skip town before finishing your roof repairs.

The bottom line is this: Rushing into roof repairs or a roof replacement may leave you on the line for some or all of the costs. So, be wary of contractors going door-to-door in your neighborhood, and contact your insurance company at once if you suspect you have roof damage following a storm.

If you still find yourself hiring or interacting with a roofer, here are some tips:

5 Tips for Dealing With a Roofing Contractor

1. Ask for the contractor’s license number (if your state licenses roofers) and insurance information. Also write down the person’s license plate number and, if possible, driver’s license number.
    
2. If you allow unfamiliar contractors to inspect your roof, be sure to supervise them. However, it’s best not to let them onto your roof at all.
    
3. Be especially wary of contractors who say replacing your roof won’t cost a thing. They may even claim they’ll pay your deductible for you.
    
4. Never sign a contract with blanks. Get everything in writing: Cost, scope of work, time frame, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations. And, read every contract carefully, paying particular attention to any “assignment of benefits” language.
    
5. Don’t pay in full or sign a certificate of completion until the work is done and you’re satisfied with the outcome.

Finally, one last warning: Contractors may try to pull similar scams with windows, siding or driveways following a storm, so be wary.

We know it can all seem a little daunting. We just want you to be aware of some scenarios you may encounter so you can protect yourself. Because, while not all roofing companies engage in disreputable behavior, some of them certainly do.

So, remember, get in touch with your independent insurance agent or your insurance company first to deal with storm damage. Doing so may just help you avoid unsavory characters and contract conditions.