Insurance Companies

[Bird]

Just over a year ago, I changed to AAA auto insurance simply because the premiums were the best I found at the time. Haven't had any claims so I really can't say how good they are in that regard.

 

[dummy]

I was going to recommend Dairyland if it's available. I used them before I switched to USAA (military members only, if you qualify, the best way to go) and was very happy with them. Coincidentally, they have a neat little ratings chart on part of their site. Dairyland comp. chart

 

[BB_TX]

Can't comment on competitive cost, but I have been very happy with State Farm. Have only had 2 claims, one for a breakin at my storage building on my land, the other for an accident.
On the breakin, I submitted a list of items stolen with an estimated value, and received a check (less the deductible) about a week later.
The accident (my fault) occurred on Tue., appraiser looked at by truck on Thu., picked up my check on Fri.
In both cases, there was no hassle at all and everyone I spoke with was very helpful and friendly, even encouraging me to go to the doctor if I had any problems at all from the accident.

 

[BillyP]

By the way, just got my bill for the next 6 months. It went down 50 bucks. This is the first time I can remember that an insurance premium went down.

 

[MarkV]

I’ve always had agents that were responsive and friendly with the companies I’ve used. The problem is that after the company gets you into the system for a claim your agent doesn’t have much say. Have a friend that was looking at varies options and coverage on his existing insurance. His questions required the agent to ask the company what is and isn’t covered in varies hypothetical situations. His rates were raised because the number of questions asked made him a higher risk customer in the company’s statistical customer rating system. True story! Would you ever have thought that asking if you have enough coverage for different situations could cause your rates to rise without a claim being filed?

With the hit the insurance companies took during hurricane season this year and another big hurricane season predicted for next year don’t be surprised to see all our rates go up. We have raised all of our deductibles to $1,000 to keep rates down and now treat insurance as something for catastrophic situations only. Everything else we will take care of ourselves without making claims.

Guess I shouldn’t complain because auto and homeowners isn’t a problem at all compared to medical insurance. That’s the one that will keep me working longer than I want to.

MarkV

 

[DocHeb]

Don't forget that there are discounts to be had for carrying multiple lines of insurance. I get nice discounts from State Farm for having Homeowners, Auto, and Liability Coverage.

 

[JDgreen227]

About two years ago I switched my home/auto insurances to AAA from Hartford, and have been very happy with them. I made one $7,000 claim when a tree fell on our travel trailer, and the agent took care of EVERYTHING and I expected our rates to go up afterwards, but they went DOWN instead, both auto and homeowners.

I got some auto quotes from AIG, (one SUV, two cars, one RV) and their quote was within $200 per year of AAA, but they lacked a local office, all their business is handled by phone or online, and I liked having an agent I could work with.

Let me advise you...avoid Liberty Mutual like the plague. Worst company I ever dealt with in my 37 years of dealing with insurance companies.

 

[slowrev]

BCZoom,
I had been with State Farm for over 30 years. Then I bought the family farm a few years ago and they would not insure it because it was over 6 miles from town. I switched everything over to Farm Bureau and saved money too. Have had no problems with them, but no claims either. Friends and relatives say they are good to deal with.

Ben

 

[BubbaJr]

I've had State Farm for over 37 years. I had a accident a few years ago when my van slid on an overpass in a snowstorm and hit a concrete wall pretty much wiping out the side of the van. State Farm paid to fix the van, 2 weeks later I got a check from them for over a $100 out of the blue, then the next time my premium was due it dropped about $30 a half. In the last 5-10 years our premiums for 2 vehicles, 2 houses, blanket liability, 2 life insurance policies, and 2 antique vehicles have all gone up significantly. But except for the antiques I've stayed with them, because I know I won't have to fight them when it comes time for a claim. My wife was hit by a guy that had Progressive Ins., and it was a small battle to get them to cover all the damage and give us a loaner.

I used to be a parts manager for a Chevy dealer years ago, and we always had problems with the Allstate adjuster trying to get us to cut corners, and use the cheapest or used parts with a wreck repair. Nationwide, State Farm, & Grange were always looking out for the customers best interest, and were the easiest to get along with from a body shops perspective.

After all the damage in Florida the last few years, I think cheap insurance is a thing of the past. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[bczoom]

Bubba Jr,

Sounds like your State Farm (and Progressive) experiences have been about the same as mine. Somehow, through family, I've inhereted a policy # that goes back to 1969 with no claims/accidents. It's still pretty pricy.

I do wonder how much the FL issues have raised everyones rates.

Still waiting to hear from the agent on the new rates.

Thanks everyone for what you've encountered. I'm keeping track of all the companies mentioned but first need to find out who doesn't want my business before I start contacting them.

Dang, doesn't anyone have any claims? Of all the posters, there has only been a couple claims... Keep up the good driving.