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Posts: 516
Location: Kildeer, IL | I'm looking to save some money on auto insurance by switching from Allstate to something else. In my research, I have found Allstate to be $300+ higher (6 month rate) than the other insurance agencies.
I am currently looking at GMAC and Travelers. GMAC is a little bit cheaper, but I don't know how their service is.
Anybody want to chime in? I'm especially interested in people that have filed a claim. Everyone is happy until they file a claim.
Thanks,
Scott |
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| American Family has been good to work with....
totalled a snowmobile and they cut me a check without so much as a question... |
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Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | scott, i am in illinios as well and use country compaines for home, auto, boat, life. i have had a totaled snowmobile claim as well and no problems...we had a vehicle totaled out a few years ago the other guys insurance paid for it, however mine cooperated well through the process. also had a stolen vehicle that was handled well.
Edited by muskihntr 12/17/2007 4:04 PM
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Posts: 8845
| I'm in IL as well, State Farm here. Had a stolen car, several broken windows due to vandalizm, (welcome to IL) and a few minor accidents, all were handled well. Seen a lot of friends buy cheap insurance to save a couple bucks on premiums and wind up biting the big one when it came time to file a claim. It ain't cheap, but I wouldn't go anywhere else. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i've been a state farm lifer and haven't a complaint ... the rate might be a little higher than some but competitive overall and the peace of mind i get hasn't made me switch yet ... plus, i get to contribute to merckid getting a new boat (i grinned when i typed that tj)
hey ... keep those sleds out of the trees boys! |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | State Farm and I have looked around a lot. Nobody coudl beat them and most thought I was lying about my rates until I faxed them my policy. I ahve been with them for 20 years though and stopped being a stupid driver about 15 years ago  |
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| If you have been with allstate for awhile, call them and see if they will put you under their new program. I called and complained about my coverage. They identified that they had a program to reduce clients rates (if they had been with them awhile). They will only do this for customers who ask about it. Had we not asked, we would not have be realigned ot the new program. Saved us hundreds of dollars a year.
J |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | I went under that new Allstate program and saved a grand a year. Not only that but I had them insure BOTH of my boats for less then what Boat US wanted for just one. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Been watching this thread closely. I guess with good reason. But one question to ask, wouldn't you think that Allstate would do whatever it takes to help people save money? That doesn't make sense to have to call and ask to be put in the new system. A good insurance company would take care of that for you. That is part of what your paying for. Just my thoughts.
As for me, born and raised with StateFarm. Kinda hard to have anything different when you have a grandma who worked for them for many years and father who is a StateFarm Agent. Without sounding bias, I think StateFarm stands alone when it comes to who's the best and why. They maybe the big dog in the insurance world, but I think with good reason. Just like their saying, "Go visit your local agent, StateFarm is their."
Edited by Merckid 12/18/2007 8:44 PM
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Posts: 389
Location: Corning, Iowa | In the old old days State farm was good, until you had a couple claims. Then you were farewell. Hope this has changed. Your insurance isn't any better than your agent. They can help you alot with the company. Doug |
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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | T.J.,
Lets not bust on Allstate. I have yet to find a business that isn't in the business to make a profit. Companies differenciate themselves by the products and services they provide. They are not all the same. I did not have the time to go into detail on my post about Allstate -- I was just offering a recommendation that the individual ask the question. Everyone owes it to themslves to do a checkup with their insurance company at least twice a year, especially during renewal time. I was able to find some savings with my current company based on the my insurance history and longevity with the company. I was able to take advantage of a new program they were offering. I started early well before my policy expired. I don't know if Allstatewourld have contacted me, but the impression I got was "not until my curent policy expired". This should not be taken as if they were overcharging me. No other company can touch the rates I am getting, to include State Farm. It does not always pay to drop a company unless you have done your homework and you know you can get equal or better service for a better price. |
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Posts: 8845
| My SF agent called ME, asking about my net worth vs my liability limits, seeing if I could maybe cut down my liability to $500k to save on my premiums, also asked if I'd be willing to bump up my deductable for my comprehensive coverage from $250 to $500...
How often does an agent call you to suggest ways to save on your premiums? Not very often I'd suspect. |
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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | Good for you. Glad to see you are saving money by increasing your insurance risk while reducing the risk of your insurance company. If this is the product and service you want, great. Sounds like you may have been over-insured to begin with. |
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Posts: 8845
| No so fast AF chief -- Think about your comprehensive claims. Have you ever filed one? We're talking about stuff like a tree falling on your truck here...
Even if you have an occasional claim, The savings on your premiums are probably more than the additional $250 out of pocket paying that extra deductable.
As for the liability? They can't sue you for what 'ya ain't got. So carrying a high amount of liability insurance isn't always a good idea depending on your assets. Let's say you rent an apartment for example, you have no savings, no 401k, and a 15 year old truck. Do you really need million dollar liability? On the other hand, lets say you have a house, a cottage, several retirement accounts, a $50,000 ranger...
A GOOD agent will work with you personally on every aspect of every policy you have, to make sure your coverage is no more or no less than what you really need, and explain the benefits and risks of each type and level of coverage.
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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | LOL, Lighten up. I like jerking people's chain one in awhile. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | AFChief - 12/19/2007 1:11 PM
LOL, Lighten up. I like jerking people's chain one in awhile.
Your previous post wasn't making it sound like you were jerking his chain. No where in your post did it sound like you were jerking his chain.
But EA is right, no matter what company you have, your agent should assist you on almost every aspect of your insurance. I know my dad tells his customers that he tries to take care of them as if it were his own insurance. But I do know some out there that just don't care as much. |
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Posts: 516
Location: Kildeer, IL | Thanks for everyone's help. I am still looking, but I have contacted my agent in the meanwhile. I want to see what he can do for me before I switch companies. Since I have been with the company for 16 years (as long as I've had my license) I would think he could do something. If not, I think I will be switching to Travelers. They are 1A rated and offer lower rates. |
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Posts: 389
Location: Corning, Iowa | No matter how you have insurance with, consider getting it local. I think it's better to be able to talk to someone in person, instead of automated. Doug |
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Posts: 412
Location: Waukesha, WI | I can't tell you how Safeco rates compare, but I can tell you the claims I have had to work through them have always been painless. It's been four times in just over 20 years. I have a local independent insurance agent, but have worked through Safeco claims directly. |
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Posts: 114
Location: New London, Wisconsin | esox addict- I agree with your comp. example but not your liability example "They can't sue you for what you ain't got"...In WI, if you are responsible for the death of a minor child it's $500,000 without even stepping foot in a courtroom ($350,000 for all others). So, they might not sue you for you you have now but they can garnish you wages until you pay it off. Not a chance worth taking, in my opinion, especially considering how inexpensive the liability portion of your policy really is.
Merry Christmas all!!!
Labs
esoxaddict - 12/19/2007 11:22 AM
No so fast AF chief -- Think about your comprehensive claims. Have you ever filed one? We're talking about stuff like a tree falling on your truck here...
Even if you have an occasional claim, The savings on your premiums are probably more than the additional $250 out of pocket paying that extra deductable.
As for the liability? They can't sue you for what 'ya ain't got. So carrying a high amount of liability insurance isn't always a good idea depending on your assets. Let's say you rent an apartment for example, you have no savings, no 401k, and a 15 year old truck. Do you really need million dollar liability? On the other hand, lets say you have a house, a cottage, several retirement accounts, a $50,000 ranger...
A GOOD agent will work with you personally on every aspect of every policy you have, to make sure your coverage is no more or no less than what you really need, and explain the benefits and risks of each type and level of coverage.
Edited by Labs 12/20/2007 11:23 AM
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI | esoxaddict - 12/19/2007 12:22 PM
No so fast AF chief -- Think about your comprehensive claims. Have you ever filed one? We're talking about stuff like a tree falling on your truck here...
Comprehensive covers everything except a collision (with another vehicle or object) or upset. That means a broken windsheild, hitting a deer-bear-turkey, theft, hail damage, etc.
Comprehensive is a coverage used more often than collision (windshield replacements alone probably exceed collision claims) Also, with many glass companies waiving a lower deductible you can get broken windsheild replaced with no money out of pocket. |
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Posts: 17
| You can get a quote in 10 minutes at Amica.com. Excellent financial stability, good customer service.
To all, a strong recommendation to look at carrying an umbrella policy of $1M or more. It can go over general liability, auto liability, and boat liability.
A cheap price for peace of mind. After all, it takes just one time when you're loaded up with your boat behind you and you suddenly have to stop. Imagine you hitting a minivan with a family of four in it. Your auto limits don't go very far in that type of situation.
TW |
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