Auto insurance

The other week, just for yicks and giggles, I went on GEICO and a few other ins. co. websites and filled out some online applications for the exact same policy we've carried with state farm for the past 20 some yrs and one was $1200 cheaper every 6 months. HOLY COW, is this correct? Well I call my state farm agent, who I've known for 20 yrs, and he starts blowing a bunch of smoke talking about how much he'll get my premiums down some. HUH? Now!? after 20 yrs? you'll start reducing my premiums? By the end of the second conversation he was getting pissed or something, talking over me, raising his voice, telling what shitty companys the others were. Mmm hmm, OK. Bye.

Well in short order, we're now with a diff ins.co and I feel like I've just been fleeced for the past umpteen yrs. I suppose I figured they're all the same and why change, comfort zone I guess. Our new (exact same policy) premium is 600 bucks vs 1800+ with the old every 6 months.

Anyhoo, just an FYI to anyone else who's been in a "comfort zone" for yrs, might be worth it to check out other ins. co.'s.

Auto insurance can vary hugely from one company to another. I've with a company that you have to know someone to get in.

I've been shopping around for my son and there's a huge delta between companies for the same coverage.

Its also worthwhile to do some homework as to what insurance companies take care of their customers vs the ones that dont. Consumer Reports did a ranking...and I'm sure you'll find similar rankings from other places on the net.

Allstate and State Farm get horrible ratings when it comes to honoring claims. I found that out last year when Allstate told me I was the only person in my neighborhood that didn't suffer roof damage from a hail storm. I had to get an adjuster to go after them to get my claim honored.

You're better off with Geico.

I've been with USAA for years now and just toss all mail advertisements from other insurance companies. I was formerly with Century 21 and was a very good driver. I filed a claim with them after clipping a column in the parking structure while backing out. They covered it and raised my six month premium by $250. I went over to USAA as a qualified relative of someone who had it and their price was $200 less than Century 21 before the accident.

Not only are their rates great, but I get rebate checks which makes the overall cost even lower.

I check frequently and any well known company I'll go with if The Price Is Right. We've been with Nationwide, Erie, Progressive(BF-Before Flo), back with Erie and now with Geico the last 4 years and are pleased, but rankings are all over place. There's more than Consumer Reports and they cover it all whether it's toasters, coffeemakers, microwaves, car insurance, automobiles, boats, motorcycles, food processors, etc.,.....you get the picture.

MSN Money

Find The Best

Yahoo Rankings

Forbes

Like I said, rankings vary widely and many times the problem could be locally with an agent. In short, your mileage may vary.

Good luck with Geico jatki99!

I've found that the longer you are with a company, the more you pay. The exception for me is Farm Bureau Insurance...I check it against several companies every year (including USAA where I've been a member since 1968). They have come in at or below every one of them and I have a local agent and they have an excellent reputation in TN for paying off claims quickly.
GEICO is almost always the highest.

State Farm was the lowest price for my needs and they have been very good on my claim. (maybe its the lawyer that helps)

I'm so snake bit with companies, you name it, that give you a low rate, then after six months or a year the rate goes up.

Comcast was going up, up, up to the sky. I like the service, but enough was enough. We complained, they gave us a lower rate. Then after six months the rate goes back up. Husband complains, they lower the rate. He has to go complain about every six months, rinse, repeat.

I think our auto ins. (Farmers) has gotten higher than it should be. Husband likes the agent and doesn't want to change. Grrrr.

Wow !!!! Very smart on your part to do the research and to switch companies

Looks like you just might have found yourself another trip to Vegas


Rick

The difference really is amazing. Several years back, my sister and I switched from Allstate to GEICO. It was a fraction of the cost from what we'd been paying. I know the cost will go up quite a bit on a new car I'm about to buy but will still be much less with GEICO.

Tim