Auto Insurance
 

Let's talk car insurance.

There's so much competition out there now, Progressive, Geico, State Farm, Allstate, AIG, etc.

Who do you use? Who does a great job, who does a not so great job, and who really stinks? Who has the best rates, worst rates, etc.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have State Farm...my Dad's been with them since the 70s, and since I was on his policy, when I bought my first car, I just stayed with them. They've been nothing but good to me, and my insurance rates aren't too bad (It's less than $500 for the year).

I've heard that Esurance is really good too.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=BDBohnzie]I have State Farm...my Dad's been with them since the 70s, and since I was on his policy, when I bought my first car, I just stayed with them. They've been nothing but good to me, and my insurance rates aren't too bad (It's less than $500 for the year).

I've heard that Esurance is really good too.[/quote]

State Farm is terrible, my dad has also been with them since the late 70's and recently (1 year ago may 5th) after a car accident they attempted to revoke his entire umbrella policy, thats right not just the car insurance but THE ENTIRE UMBRELLA POLICY for a family of 5, they are still trying to revoke it as we still receive letters and my dad is constantly bantering with our State Farm agent, like most insurance agencies they are scumbags, they have shown 0 respect for the fact that he has been a loyal customer for near 30 years with minimal incidents before this. boycott state farm

Re: Auto Insurance
 

that's not right man...that certainly sucks.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

State Farm is bad from my experience (a person who hit me head-on had it and they screwed me on the payout).

Erie is the WORST.

I've always had Allstate and they are THE BEST.

A person t-boned my wife's car and had Erie. It was OBVIOUS that it was his fault (the front of his car into the side of hers) but the jerk who was driving someone else's car lied and said it wasn't his fault. His company refused to pay. Allstate offered to pay us (which meant a $500 deductible for us) and fight for our deductible back by taking Erie to an arbitrator. A few months later, we received a check in the mail from Allstate for our $500. They also kept up informed all throughout their battle with the crooks.

YESTERDAY, some jerk in the ghetto where I work smashed my car window and stole my stereo which (since it's a Ford with the big oval radio) included my heating and A/C controls. It's 105 degrees, you jerk.

2 hours after it happened, they had my appointment set up to replace my window AT MY HOUSE in 2 days and have a vendor working on replacing my stereo.

They're awesome. I also have my homeowner's insurance, life insurance and roadside assistance through them, so I get TONS of discounts. They're FAR cheaper than anyone else for me, including the ghecko.

My whole family has Allstate, as does my wife's family. They're simply the best, at least here in PA.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I'm with Allstate. I like them. Never filed an auto claim with them, but I filed a homeowner's claim with them this year and they were fast at coming out to take a look at the problem, and very fast at getting the check out to me.

I like the car insurance features. They have this thing called accident forgiveness. If you get in an accident, even if it's your fault, your premiums don't go up. Then for every year of driving you do without getting into an accident, your deductible drops by $100 without having an increase in premiums.

To get those features, you pay a little more on a monthly basis than you would for an equal Allstate policy without those features. But the peace of mind knowing I'm not going to get drilled with huge premiums if I rear-end someone is pretty nice.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

my family had AFI (armed forces) for 30 years. I got t-boned once when i was 16 and they dropped us instantly. talk about crap.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have Geico and I've always had them. They gave me the lowest rate when I bought my car and they still do cause every six months I get quotes from everyone else to see if I can get a better deal. One thing I do like about them is their mechanical breakdown coverage. It's basically a warranty for new cars up to 100K. It adds about $17 to my policy which is still a very good deal (about $210 for 100k). I have never made a claim and I suppose all auto insurance are good so long as you don't make a claim :Smoker: Still, I'm paying about $1400 (includes mechanical breakdown) a year for insurance for a 3 year old car and no one else has a better deal.

I have Allstate for my home insurance. They give me a nice rate but the bastards wouldn't give me a worth while multiple discount for both home and auto. Plus I would have lost my mechanical breakdown coverage.

As for Progressive, I don't trust them because I don't think their "we'll give you a quote from other companies" accurate. No two drivers are alike and it just seems like a PR thing that doesn't really give you a meaningful quote from other companies.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have Mercury. Not a lot of people have heard about them, but I've had a good amount of tickets and for my newish car (2004) that's performance-based, I only pay $500 every six months. And that's with three tickets on the record.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

We are lucky enough to use USAA. I am pretty sure they are the best but not everyone can get them. If you can then use them. You have a member of your family be a part of the military and use them.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have Farmer's here in TX. They seem to be pretty good. I had Allstate back in FL and they were excellent as well.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have Amica. I just got it when I moved up here to Connecticut. It was highly recommended by several people, most importantly by NY_Skinsfan.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I've had Geico myself the last 3 years and I really can't complain. They just recently dropped my rate quite a bit just for being a long-time customer.

I'm a little biased since I worked there, but I strongly advise against Progressive. Their rates tend to be high because they will insure just about anyone, so in turn those extra costs get passed onto the good drivers. Plus they treat their employees like garbage... but that's a story for a different day.

I've head good things about Amica and Allstate.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have a package home/auto insurance deal with Amica and if you show proof of current auto insurance when you sign up with them they give you a huge discount. I want to say almost 50%

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection]I have Mercury. Not a lot of people have heard about them, but I've had a good amount of tickets and for my newish car (2004) that's performance-based, I only pay $500 every six months. And that's with three tickets on the record.[/quote]

That sounds expensive. I pay $400 every 6 months for TWO CARS with Allstate. What kind of car do you drive? Is it a "high performance" car?

Re: Auto Insurance
 

My wife (21) and I (24) pay $2700/year. We have Virginia Farm Bureau. They are ok. I have a ticket and an accident on my record (35 months ago). We have 4 vehicles on the policy (2005 4Runner, 2006 Jeep, 2001 Civic, 1993 Integra). I shop around quite a bit, but no other company comes up with anything better. I'm counting on it going down when I turn 25. (But then going back up when I buy a Corvette :D).

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=Hail2theskins]State Farm is terrible, my dad has also been with them since the late 70's and recently (1 year ago may 5th) after a car accident they attempted to revoke his entire umbrella policy, thats right not just the car insurance but THE ENTIRE UMBRELLA POLICY for a family of 5, they are still trying to revoke it as we still receive letters and my dad is constantly bantering with our State Farm agent, like most insurance agencies they are scumbags, they have shown 0 respect for the fact that he has been a loyal customer for near 30 years with minimal incidents before this. boycott state farm[/quote]

Unfortunately, that is the name of the game. Since the insurance company is a corporation, they must make profits. If they don't make profits, then the stockholders will fire the corporate officers--and the stockholders only care about their return on investment--not about ethics. This is exactly the type of behavior which gives me a terrible feeling about insurance in general.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I have Amica for renter's insurance, and I am currently in the process of filing a claim because my apartment was broken into. They seem to be doing a good job, but the process isn't yet complete.

As for auto insurance, I have Direct. They don't seem to be that good, but I think they are the cheapest in my area (I haven't done much research).

After looking at the other poster's rates, I think I must be paying too much. However, I have two cars. One is an 88 chevy pickup with liability only coverage, so it shouldn't affect my rates that much. I also have a high performance car, and I pay $2000 per year with no accidents or tickets.

Is that too high?

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[QUOTE=TheInspector]I have Amica for renter's insurance, and I am currently in the process of filing a claim because my apartment was broken into. They seem to be doing a good job, but the process isn't yet complete.

As for auto insurance, I have Direct. They don't seem to be that good, but I think they are the cheapest in my area (I haven't done much research).

After looking at the other poster's rates, I think I must be paying too much. However, I have two cars. One is an 88 chevy pickup with liability only coverage, so it shouldn't affect my rates that much. I also have a high performance car, and I pay $2000 per year with no accidents or tickets.

Is that too high?[/QUOTE]
What kind of car do you have?

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TheInspector]I have Amica for renter's insurance, and I am currently in the process of filing a claim because my apartment was broken into. They seem to be doing a good job, but the process isn't yet complete.

As for auto insurance, I have Direct. They don't seem to be that good, but I think they are the cheapest in my area (I haven't done much research).

After looking at the other poster's rates, I think I must be paying too much. However, I have two cars. One is an 88 chevy pickup with liability only coverage, so it shouldn't affect my rates that much. I also have a high performance car, and I pay $2000 per year with no accidents or tickets.

Is that too high?[/quote]

When you turn 25, your rate will drop.

Also when you get married. :)

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=cpayne5]What kind of car do you have?[/quote]

03 BMW M3

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[QUOTE=Buster]When you turn 25, your rate will drop.

Also when you get married. :)[/QUOTE]
I put my wife's vehicle on my policy before we got married. After we got married it dropped $1k/ year.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=cpayne5]I put my wife's vehicle on my policy before we got married. After we got married it dropped $1k/ year.[/quote]

Dang. I guess I should get married. ;)

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[QUOTE=TheInspector]03 BMW M3[/QUOTE]
$2k a year probably isn't that bad considering you're under 25 and driving an M3.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

TMC is also under 25, has three tickets and pays half of what I do. That's what caught my eye. However, we live in different markets, so that could change everything...I guess.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[QUOTE=TheInspector]TMC is also under 25, has three tickets and pays half of what I do. That's what caught my eye. However, we live in different markets, so that could change everything...I guess.[/QUOTE]
That truck is probably ~$400 a year extra for you and he has a Mazda 5, which isn't quite an M3 in the insurance company's eyes. ;)

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TheInspector]03 BMW M3[/quote]
:oink:

Well THAT explains the high rate!

It's expensive for them to repair it if someone hits you. REALLY expensive.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=Buster]That sounds expensive. I pay $400 every 6 months for TWO CARS with Allstate. What kind of car do you drive? Is it a "high performance" car?[/quote]

It's "considered" a sports car. It's a Mazda3. We just got our new bill and my fiancee and I combined pay $639 for her 2001 Altima and my 2004 Mazda3. So I guess that isn't bad.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=Buster]:oink:

Well THAT explains the high rate!

It's expensive for them to repair it if someone hits you. REALLY expensive.[/quote]

Yep. It won't be long until I sell it.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TheInspector]Unfortunately, that is the name of the game. Since the insurance company is a corporation, they must make profits. If they don't make profits, then the stockholders will fire the corporate officers--and the stockholders only care about their return on investment--not about ethics. This is exactly the type of behavior which gives me a terrible feeling about insurance in general.[/quote]Statefarm is not a stock company and does not sell shares of stock so they do not have stockholders to answer too.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=Hail2theskins]State Farm is terrible, my dad has also been with them since the late 70's and recently (1 year ago may 5th) after a car accident they attempted to revoke his entire umbrella policy, thats right not just the car insurance but THE ENTIRE UMBRELLA POLICY for a family of 5, they are still trying to revoke it as we still receive letters and my dad is constantly bantering with our State Farm agent, like most insurance agencies they are scumbags, they have shown 0 respect for the fact that he has been a loyal customer for near 30 years with minimal incidents before this. boycott state farm[/quote]I'm in the insurance business and did not know I was a scumbag. Thanks for letting me know. I do not work for State Farm but would find it hard to believe that your fathers accident was the only thing that cause them to non-renew his policy. If other family members have had accidents and/or tickets they would take those into to account. As for the Umbrella Policy it has the same underwriting guidlines as the auto and why would they keep a large liabilty policy if they are terminating the auto policy to get off the liability. I'm not saying that your family is a bad risk but sometimes things in a large family add up and the Insurance Co. has to make a decision to keep a policy or to cancel. The so called scumbag agent has little or no say in the matter and can only try to talk the underwriters into keeping the policy.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[QUOTE=TheInspector]TMC is also under 25, has three tickets and pays half of what I do. That's what caught my eye. However, we live in different markets, so that could change everything...I guess.[/QUOTE]
Florida is notorious for high auto insurance rates...all those damn old people running their cars into the local Publix...

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=8rkHJiAJYkw]YouTube - The Daily Show - 2006.08.01 - Brooklyn Dodgers[/url]

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=firstdown;201528]Statefarm is not a stock company and does not sell shares of stock so they do not have stockholders to answer too.[/quote]

That is my mistake. Apparently, the policy holders own the company. Unfortunately, it is not the case for all insurance companies.

Are you a State Farm policy holder? If so, do you know what kind of influence you have over the operations of the company (to prevent immoral conduct)?

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TAFKAS;201699][URL="http://youtube.com/watch?v=8rkHJiAJYkw"]YouTube - The Daily Show - 2006.08.01 - Brooklyn Dodgers[/URL][/quote]

"...couped up in their boardrooms, huddling for wealth."
That is hilarious.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=firstdown;201538]I'm in the insurance business and did not know I was a scumbag. Thanks for letting me know. I do not work for State Farm but would find it hard to believe that your fathers accident was the only thing that cause them to non-renew his policy. If other family members have had accidents and/or tickets they would take those into to account. As for the Umbrella Policy it has the same underwriting guidlines as the auto and why would they keep a large liabilty policy if they are terminating the auto policy to get off the liability. I'm not saying that your family is a bad risk but sometimes things in a large family add up and the Insurance Co. has to make a decision to keep a policy or to cancel. The so called scumbag agent has little or no say in the matter and can only try to talk the underwriters into keeping the policy.[/quote]

Maybe it's just me, but I think he is calling the "agency" a scumbag. Either way, he is most likely pretty angry and may have said it in different terms otherwise. I'm not trying to speak for others, I am just taking a guess because I have done the same thing before.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

I work for Nationwide/Allied and I dont know what their rates are for sure. I just started there a while back, and I haven't switched my policy over yet. But I have been paying $1200 a year for my 97 Chrysler LHS with EMC. That is who my parents had and they went through an independant guy who claims to only give you the best rates. I'll get back to you when I know how much of a difference there is between my work. I'm sure there will be an employee discount of some sort. :)

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TheInspector;201720]That is my mistake. Apparently, the policy holders own the company. Unfortunately, it is not the case for all insurance companies.

Are you a State Farm policy holder? If so, do you know what kind of influence you have over the operations of the company (to prevent immoral conduct)?[/quote]
No I'm not a State Farm policy holder but I am in the insurance business. The policy holders don't have any say in how they operate but from what I have seen from them over the years is that they are a pretty fair company. That does not mean that they don't make mistakes because any company of that size will. They did not become the largest personal lines Co. by treating their customers poorly.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=TheInspector;201722]Maybe it's just me, but I think he is calling the "agency" a scumbag. Either way, he is most likely pretty angry and may have said it in different terms otherwise. I'm not trying to speak for others, I am just taking a guess because I have done the same thing before.[/quote]
No he called all insurance agencies scumbage and that what I took offence to.

Re: Auto Insurance
 

[quote=firstdown;201538]I'm in the insurance business and did not know I was a scumbag. Thanks for letting me know. I do not work for State Farm but would find it hard to believe that your fathers accident was the only thing that cause them to non-renew his policy. If other family members have had accidents and/or tickets they would take those into to account. As for the Umbrella Policy it has the same underwriting guidlines as the auto and why would they keep a large liabilty policy if they are terminating the auto policy to get off the liability. I'm not saying that your family is a bad risk but sometimes things in a large family add up and the Insurance Co. has to make a decision to keep a policy or to cancel. The so called scumbag agent has little or no say in the matter and can only try to talk the underwriters into keeping the policy.[/quote]

True, it DOES help to read fineprint. Sometimes the customer is just as much or more at fault for having crappy insurance.