[pummal]

Hi,

Allstate recently dropped my auto policy (and after reading about Allstate on the net, good riddance!), so I am shopping for a replacement.

I'm doing research on the companies this time (something I didn't do with Allstate), and it seems they are all pretty rotten, with the exception of USAA. Of course, I do not qualify for USAA because it is an exclusive group.

So, what company do the wise members of OdyClub use for insurance, and how satisfied have you been with them?

Thanks much for any advice!

------------------
2002 Mesa Beige EX-L-RES - on order
2001 Mesa Beige EX - recently sold

 

[cmt4]

USAA is probably the best... that's why you can't have it, Murphy's Law. I use State Farm. Bit more expensive than most, but first rate service in my experience. Several other friends share my opinion... Never once had a problem getting claims paid. Usually the agent is more important than the agency and State Farm has many to chose from (in most cities). Maybe I'm lucky, but I've been with my current agent 10 years and would highly recommend him/the company.

Whooopss! Just re-read your post. You're looking for "wise" members... scratch my post!

[This message has been edited by cmt4 (edited 10-12-2001).]

 

[adam1991]

I have to second cmt4's opinion on State Farm.

I would recommend against Nationwide, for many reasons.

 

[mstaebo]

I've got to chime in with my vote for State Farm. We've gotten superb service from our local agent.

Has anyone else purchased the State Farm Emergency Road Service? It costs us less than $4.44 a year for each car -- much cheaper than AAA! My husband is in sales and puts in lots of miles; he has already used the service 5 times this year: twice for flats, once to tow his car when it broke down, once to jump a dead battery, and once when he ran out of gas. The nice thing is that you can use any service station or tow service. You call them yourself and then submit your bill to State Farm. We've always been reimbursed in less than a week!

I was so glad to get rid of AAA. It was expensive, and we never used any of their services except road service. Once when my car broke down, I had to wait on hold for over 30 minutes to get through to a rep and the service station they recommended took 2 hours to arrive.

------------------
Erika
'02 SS Ody EXL-RES
'95 Honda Accord LX

 

[1ODY2NV]

Pummal

State Farm is the best...if you care that they will only pay out on non-Honda parts if available....This is true. I work for a bond rating agency in NY and my co-worker rates insurance.

The one I would go with is Liberty Mutual. It is a company owned by the Policyholders.

 

[1ODY2NV]

Correction:
He rate the financially sound insurance companies and bank institutions.

He was an actuary iun a former life

 

[adam1991]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">State Farm is the best...if you care that they will only pay out on non-Honda parts if available...</font>

This was not at all my experience, and was the reason I switched to State Farm many years ago.

At the time I wasn't with State Farm. Someone backed into my Honda, and my experience with the claims agent was nothing short of absolutely pleasant. He invited me to use the body shop of my choice--which is a local shop that does excellent work on Hondas and uses nothing but Honda parts. He didn't want a bunch of estimates; he wanted me to be satisfied.

I contrast that to when someone with Nationwide insurance backed into my car (same car, as a matter of fact). Man oh man, it was like night and day.

 

[Intrepid175]

Let's see, "Trustworthy Auto Insurance", sounds like an oxymoron to me!

Seriously, for you folks who've "switched" to State Farm, did they let you buy auto insurance only or did they make you insure everthing you've got before they'd do business with you?

I ask because the one time I tried to buy auto insurance through them, they said they didn't write auto policies. I've got friends who have their cars covered by State Farm but also have their homes and just about everything else with them too.

Just wondering.....

------------------
Drive Safe,
Steve R.
'01 SS LX
Cargo tray, leather steering wheel, mud guards, alarm, fog lights, transmission cooler, in-dash CD player, Kelton subwoofer, under seat storage tray.

[This message has been edited by Intrepid175 (edited 10-13-2001).]

 

[Ody&S2k]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by pummal:
Hi,

I'm doing research on the companies this time (something I didn't do with Allstate), and it seems they are all pretty rotten, with the exception of USAA. Of course, I do not qualify for USAA because it is an exclusive group.

So, what company do the wise members of OdyClub use for insurance, and how satisfied have you been with them?

Thanks much for any advice!

</font>

USAA and Amica are always at the top of the list in any report that Consumers' Reports publishes (usually Amica=1 and USAA=2). I also don't qualify for USAA, but have been with Amica for nearly 25 years now (through teenagers on my policy and all). Amica doesn't advertise, their rates are fair, and they don't drop people. On the other hand, they are picky about who they accept.

Follow some of these links: http://www.amica.com/0_0/default.html?/5_0/more_about_amica.html

Ray


------------------
2000 S2000 & 2001 Ody
Ody Mods:
Splash Guards; Donnelly Comp/Temp Mirror; Fog Lights

[This message has been edited by Ody&S2k (edited 10-13-2001).]

 

[kurthack]

I carried State Farm and actually worked for them for a short time. I was surprised to hear about your experience that the agent demanded to carry all of the insurance business. It depends greatly on the agent on the level of service that you receive and the type of business they will take.

If you are looking for low rates I would check out an independent agent in your area. They usually write with several different companies and place your business with the one giving the best cost and service.

Currently, I am using Progressive and have been very pleased with their service and cost. They are a bit more lenient on driving records but do run a credit report. If you own a home (doesn't have to be insured by them) you will get a homeowners discount.

Good Luck!
-Kurt

 

[adam1991]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Seriously, for you folks who've "switched" to State Farm, did they let you buy auto insurance only or did they make you insure everthing you've got before they'd do business with you?</font>

Not at all. It started with auto insurance, back in 1984 or so; when I needed renter's insurance, I went to them first and they made an attractive offer. Then came homeowner's insurance, and the umbrella policy, and here we are.

In fact, I was persuaded against buying State Farm life insurance a few years ago, because--according to my agent--"it's just too expensive".

Now, of course, I'm in the golden handcuffs. I've been with State Farm for so long that my discounts add up tremendously, plus they seem to be ignoring the speeding ticket I get every couple of years or so, and I've been at the point for some time now where the first liability claim against my policy--whatever it is--is officially ignored with respect to my premiums and my insurability standing with State Farm.

Fact is, I damn near can't get anyone to provide an apples-to-apples comparison for my coverage. Those that come close are ungodly expensive.

 

[Jim F]

I've been with State Farm for 20 years. I've had nothing but the best service with them.

------------------
Jim
'01 GG EX w/stuff
'93 Nissan Sentra SE-R with more stuff

 

[robr2]

We have Hanover. I have dealt with them on 2 accidents (not at fault) and 2 windshield replacements in 3 years. No issues with response and handling the claim. The only thing they did was specify aftermarket parts for my Accord but the body shop got them to go for OEM. I've used Liberty Mutual and Traveler's in the past, both with pretty good results.

Unfortunatly here in MA it is difficult to get a deal on auto insurance. The state regulates rates and are dependent on your "Step" number. Everyone starts at Step 15 and 1 point is deducted for every year of the past 6 in which you are not involved in a surchargable incident. The best is a step 9. Worst is a step 35 or at least the state doesn't list anything higher than a 35.

Minor moving violations (speeding, expired inspection sticker) = 2 pts
Minor at fault accident ($500-2500) = 3 pts
Major at fault accident (>$2500) - 4 pts
Major moving violatoion (DUI, leaving accident) = 5 points.

Points above 15 raise your rates and below 15 lowers your rates. Insurance companies usually offer discounts to the safest drivers (9-10) or to affinity groups or employers, but the state has to approve all the discounts. I'm a member of wholesale club so I get a discount. Everyone charges the same but no one can be cancelled or denied insurance. So we all pay for high risk drivers.

The state has held the line on rate increases the past few years so the discounts have been disappearing. A few years ago companies just left the state because if they offered auto elsewhere but refused to write it here, the state didn't let them sell other insurance lines. Allstate was once the leading insurer in MA and they up and left.

 

[jimblock]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ody&S2k:
USAA and Amica are always at the top of the list in any report that Consumers' Reports publishes (usually Amica=1 and USAA=2). I also don't qualify for USAA, but have been with Amica for nearly 25 years now (through teenagers on my policy and all). Amica doesn't advertise, their rates are fair, and they don't drop people. On the other hand, they are picky about who they accept.

Follow some of these links: http://www.amica.com/0_0/default.html?/5_0/more_about_amica.html

Ray

</font>

I will definitely second the comments about AMICA. I have had their home, auto (and even life) insurance for over 15 years. I have never found an insurance company that was as pleasant and fair to deal with. They have actually urged me to pursue claims that I would not have bothered with.

Their rates are fair (although not necessarily the lowest). They are a mutual insurance company owned by the policyholders, they offer premium rebates in most states, and have no agents -- all dealings are directly with the company, mostly by phone. (I happen to have an Amica office less than 3 miles from my home, but I've only gone their once -- when I wanted a policy the same day.)

Amica does have some entrance requirements -- they don't accept policyholders in some areas, and may require a recommendation from a current policyholder.




------------------
Jim B.

2000 EX Navi
DVP

 

[Jazzfan]

"I'm doing research on the companies this time (something I didn't do with Allstate), and it seems they are all pretty rotten, with the exception of USAA. Of course, I do not qualify for USAA because it is an exclusive group."

USAA isn't so hard to qualify for. Just go down to your local military recruiter and enlist!

It used to be more exclusive than it is now, because until about 4 years ago you had to be an active duty or retired military officer (or family member). Now enlisted members are included. I switched to USAA immediately when they did this (as did a great many other enlisted members) and have been completely satisfied with them. This has been a win-win for USAA; they increased their target market considerably but have seen no significant increase in claim rates.

 

[2000 TL]

pummal,

How is your driving record? Allstate has always been fair with me (quick, knock on wood!

) I just thought in fairness to them, I'd place a post from a satisfied Allstate customer.

Too bad you were dropped, but you are doing the right thing in shopping around for insurance. By all means purchase what will give you peace of mind. Sometimes the cheapest insurance is not the best. Good luck!

 

[tomhan]

State Farm for almost 30 years! My agent jumps through hoops to find every possible way to save on my policy costs. The few claims that I've submitted were handled fast and painlessly. Couldn't convince me to switch for anything.

------------------

See my Pics

Tom
2002 RP EXL-RES

 

[pummal]

2000 TL --

They dropped me for having two at-fault claims in 3 years. The claim costs were about $4,000 total.

Allstate drops you based on the frequency of your claims, and that's all. By their policy, they would still insure me if I had killed another driver in a BMW while driving a Porsche -- because it's only frequency that counts.

In reality, it is their loss. They are losing my two cars and my house (on principle). If they had only raised my rates a little, instead of dropping me, I would have continued blissfully unaware of Allstate's reputation. Now they couldn't keep me even if they recanted their drop.

Do a little research on the Net for Allstate, you'll see what I mean... or better yet, don't!

What you don't know can't hurt you.

I'm going to call State Farm and have them run a quote for my house and two cars. If that doesn't pan out, Progressive has given me a quote (yes, they know about the claims) for the same as I used to pay Allstate -- for slightly better coverage, with the only catch being I have to pay all at once or else pay slightly higher amounts (no biggie).

------------------
2002 Mesa Beige EX-L-RES - on order
2001 Mesa Beige EX - recently sold

 

[Gettin'AVan]

Not one mention of Geico?

I'm currently with Atlantic Mutual but being tempted by Geico's low rate - I'm a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder which gives me an add'l discount. I'm Atl/Mu based on my Agent's recommendation. Never filed a claim so I have no opinion but I do get the car+home discount.

 

[2000 TL]

pummal,

Those accidents don't seem out of line. Too bad for Allstate. You're not hiding any speeding tickets are you?

Good luck!