Auto insurance ads not all they seem to be on clarkhoward.com

Geico, Progressive and Allstate are just a few of the auto insurers with ads on TV promising they can save you hundreds over the competition. But how can they all be the cheapest?!

There are actually huge differences between insurers based on an individual driver's circumstances. Each insurer uses its own criteria to assess your level of risk and price your policy accordingly. That's how each insurer can claim to be the cheapest in its ads; they're all assessing different motorists and presenting the results as typical.

Consumer Reports put Progressive's claims to the test. Flo the Progressive Girl's "name your own price" promise is really more of a "name your coverage" come-on. And it's not necessarily the cheapest; in fact Consumer Reports found Progressive could be twice as expensive for certain motorists.

That means you've got to be diligent in shopping over the phone and on the web to find the best deals. Get out your coverage statement and compare it apples-to-apples with other insurers' offerings. Clark recommends shopping for insurance every three years or three years after an accident or ticket.

The only time Clark would not recommend jumping ship to chase a lower premium is if you're with either Amica Mutual or USAA. Their quality is so much better than the typical auto insurer that you're wiser to stay put. Sometimes cheap is not necessarily the right thing and it's better to be with the very best.

What others are saying

Geico
I have been with Geico for a few years and never had a claim. Well..last year I had a accident unfortunately deemed my fault even thou I was hit. Too long of a story, justice not served fairly. Even the police report was not correct and trying to correct that was a hassle. So I gave up! Let me state no injuries involved. Really a minor fender bender. I was told if I took this to court by the police sergeant 60% would be in my favor. But, I don’t have time or extra money. The main issue of my story is I been with Geico for many years, no claims, so they made a 100% profit off of me. I have no speeding tickets or violations. Well my rates went up about 50%...not even warned. I feel, I am good driver and one minor accident should not increase that high. So Geico would rather lose a fairly good customer due one minor accident.
That does not make sense to me at all. Good-news I'm going with a new insurance one of top 10 and just few hundred dollars over my old rate with Geico. It’s sad I did like Geico and was impressed how fast they handle the repair to my car.
By Sam @ 03/13/10 12:25:28 PMreport abuse
GEICO & State Farm
We've been loyal to our car insurers. Two companies since 1964.

First we had 3-car and 4-car policies with State Farm (their eastern region office is here) for 20+ years, some including our teenage girls. Rates kept rising, rising, rising. No accidents until someone ran a light and nicked my Wagoneer's front end.

Damage: one of a pair of $50 JC Whitney bumper over-riders. State Farm insured him, too. I made no claim but State Farm insisted on an appraisal. I was pressured into signing off for $500 - totally undeserved and unwanted. I'd have signed the waiver for nothing, and said so over and over, but he insisted on paying me. No wonder State Farm’s rates kept rising!

Then the State Farm company switched from an annual policy to a semi-annual one and rates REALLY soared. I did some research and found GEICO, the company that gives you personal attention 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Sorry, but no agency of salesmen can touch that level of service, even if we’re pals from Rotary and go to the same church.

And the cost was 25% less than State Farm for the identical policy. And we were NEW customers there, not 20-year, clean record old customers.

We've now been with GEICO insuring 3 cars for 20+ years. Our rates are a fraction of what I read in this forum.

My wife’s lifetime accident record consists of sideswiping a Thunderbird in 1958, scraping a fender in 1968, and having her passenger door backed into in a shopping center parking lot in 2008.

My record isn't so great. I rear-ended a brand new SUV at about 2 mph and it was my fault. No injuries but my grill was pushed back an inch and the SUV's cargo door was pushed forward an inch.

Turned out he was also insured with GEICO. Their policy is that if both are insured here they waive the deductible and cover both parties 100%!

They decided my old GM barge needed $1400 in repairs. It wasn't worth that, so they called it totaled, paid me $1400, then sold the car back to me for $175. There were no repairs needed but minor cosmetics, so I used the car for another 3 years, then sold it to someone for $100 who did a valve job and used it for another 5.

A decade later I shared responsibility for my rear bumper ripping the front end clip off a new Thunderbird. GEICO bumped my rates for that for 5 years, but not by much, maybe $150 a year. And took off that surcharge when I stayed accident-free.

[Because forum messages are limited to 500 words, this ends here and continues in next message.]
By reybo @ 03/02/10 01:47:45 PMreport abuse
GEICO & State Farm
[Continued]

We average one ticket for something, usually minor speeding, every 20 years. We are never an alcohol threat, and pay attention to driving, not socializing behind the wheel.

My wife and I are over 70. We insure a high performance vintage sports car used for joyriding, a Mercedes sedan, and an SUV. They are always in near-perfect condition despite the newest being 21 years old.

We carry the highest liability rates GEICO offers, plus an umbrella policy, and we carry the highest collision deductibles.

The first takes responsibility for what we cause; the second shows we put our money where our mouth is when we say we practice collision avoidance.

My experience recommends going with the largest possible companies. Bigness help, smallness hurts, if you're an insurer.

And buy high liability rates and high collision deductibles. No company wants you jumping up and down and pointing every time you get a scraped bumper. If you think "That's what I buy insurance for," please stay away from my company. Go with Progressive and their hideous ads.

Or maybe Allstate. Dad was a lawyer and warned us more than half a century ago to avoid Allstate. They fought every claim, chiseled you down, and stalled paying by dragging claim after claim into court to force you to settle for less than you were entitled to.

That was Allstate once, as seen by a lawyer. But lawyers see only bad sides. A curse of the profession. And company culture might have changed. See what these forums say, because nothing else is as reliable as you and me, not even a wry gecko.
By reybo @ 03/02/10 01:46:29 PMreport abuse
Some people get it, some don't
I see a mix of people who are very astute and some who have a lot to learn about insurance.

I work in insurance and I while I understood the products before, I see things in a whole different light. Yes, the savings amounts are based on customers who switched, not all quotes. Of course customers who switch are going to save money -- it's common sense. We poll our customers and those savings are based on what they tell us.

I can tell you that people with worse credit DO get into more accidents, it's a fact. That might not apply to you as an individual, but when you put people into large groups, it sure does apply.

Insurance is important... going without it is risky. I've watched people lose what they've worked their whole lives for because of an auto accident, so they could save a few dollars every year. That's not a scare tactic, but please realize what you are doing when you make that choice... it can bankrupt you. Ask your carrier how much it costs to raise your limits, it might not be as much as you think.

My product has more rates possible than there are people in the US and so do many other carriers. We all have different prices, so you need to make sure that you are A) with a good company who B) charges a reasonable rate.

Good luck!
By Chris C @ 02/03/10 10:33:55 PMreport abuse
Try Wawanesa Insurance
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, they only insure good drivers, and those good drivers are treated wonderfully by the company. They pay claims promptly. Their rates are very reasonable. And they don't spend $$ on advertising that we all end up paying for in the end. Most of their advertising is done by word of mouth. Now, if you go and get yourself a DUI or something stupid like that, they'll drop you like a rock. So by insuring only good drivers, it keeps rates down.
By Pam @ 12/24/09 06:12:19 PMreport abuse
Occasional Driver Insurance
I'm a big fan of USAA but I have a question. A 23 year old son is now on his own and is no longer on my auto policy. He works full time, has no vehicle, using public transportation while he establishes himself. USAA has recommended he obtain Occasional Driver Insurance in case he borrows a friend's car or gets a rental. They charge just over $300/year but say it will work to his advantage when he does purchase a vehicle while providing coverage now. I've never heard of this type of insurance. The CAC is closed right now...has anyone had experience in this area?
By Chip @ 12/23/09 05:14:10 PMreport abuse
STATE FARM
In GA if you have Full Coverage Insurance from STATE FARM and you hit someone that lives in your home(like your drive way) that has only liability, STATE FARM unlike everyone else will not cover their damage
By HERSHEL G McCroan @ 12/15/09 09:06:23 PMreport abuse
Beware of State Farm in GA
In GA if you have Full Coverage Insurance from STATE FARM and you hit some that lives in your home(like your drive way) that has only liability, STATE FARM unlike everyone else will not cover their damage
By Hershel G McCroan @ 12/15/09 08:58:01 PMreport abuse
home/auto insurance
we returned home to find two inches of water in the kitchen; water in the dining room, and seeping thru the floor to the basement. The Amica agent had a restoration company on the scene in less than two hours. They were patient with our panic, polite and understanding. No hassle about the claim amount -- I'd recommend them in a heartbeat. (also more coverage for the dollar than State Farm)
By jack kinsner @ 12/14/09 09:11:00 PMreport abuse
esurance
has anyone had any experience with this company?
By Lin @ 11/12/09 01:05:18 PMreport abuse
USAA
USAA is great, until your teenager has an accident or gets a ticket. They raised our rates so high, we left them and won't go back even with the boys out of the house.
By Liz @ 11/05/09 08:34:00 PMreport abuse
Car insurance
This is just my personal experience here. I was with State Farm insurance for over 20 years & I felt that my rates were too high. I did some research and discovered that Progressive was the cheapest. I'm saving over $800 per year.
By Dan @ 11/05/09 09:41:07 AMreport abuse
Car Insurance
Too bad the government doesn't include it in the health care reform.
By Don P @ 11/03/09 11:06:44 PMreport abuse
Insurance
Has anyone shopped/ compared California's companies lately. I pay alot to Geico for minimum coverage on 3 cars and full coverage on one: $245. a month. I can't go without in this state...to many non-citizens w/o insurance.
By Californian @ 11/03/09 11:04:17 PMreport abuse
Insurance
I'd normally agree with Clarks comment about USAA but, having been with them for 20 years I checked with Farmers to make sure I was getting a good deal. I was able to save $800 a year on house insurance and another $400 a year on car insurance. Service at Farmers has been excellent and I've saved $3600 in the past 3 years.
By Brian @ 11/03/09 05:17:55 PMreport abuse
Tom's "no insurance"
What a surprise, a guy with bad credit thinks driving without insurance is another responsible decision.

I hope your in a minor wreck that results in your car being impounded and your license being revoked and or jail time before you get in a serious wreck and hurt someone and can't pay their bills. You don't buy insurance for you, you're buying it for me!
By Steve @ 11/03/09 12:12:42 PMreport abuse
Ummm, duh!
You mean not all advertising is 100% fact! Quick, someone call the paper, the news, Clark, heck, we need the Marines! Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get down to the car dealer. I hear if I buy one I'll get one free!
By Gabe @ 11/03/09 12:07:58 PMreport abuse
Car Insurance with AMICA
I moved our auto insurance from GMAC to AMICA and am saving nearly 50% in our premiums for the same coverage. I echo Ron's complaint about AMICA's continually pushing life insurance at us.
By Louis @ 11/03/09 10:25:08 AMreport abuse
RATES
I got rates from several, including GEICO, they were $200 higher than Nationwide.
By JOHN @ 11/03/09 09:03:03 AMreport abuse
Car Insurance
I have auto insurance with Amica and they are great. I just wish they would quit trying to sell me life insurance.
By Ron @ 11/03/09 08:45:19 AMreport abuse
Insurance
Ok yes USAA gives great customer service but those reps are stressed out by the demands placed upon them by mgrs. I hate the fact that everytime I call I am solicated by their products. If they dont sell a prodect to me then the rep gets in trouble b/c they are not doing their job. I only know this info since my friend works there. Plus they are not allowed to tell their customers what they can do stop the selling of products on the phone. You have sign up for this online through usaa.com. Some great customer service if all the truth can't be told.
By school girl @ 11/03/09 03:07:37 AMreport abuse
$#%&^$^#% Insurance Companies
If I have older cars and no collision on them why can't the insurance company just cove me as a driver for the required minimums or more that I choose. Why do I have to pay for each car I own? I can only drive one at a time.
By Mike @ 11/02/09 11:04:26 PMreport abuse
insurance coverage
Although not advertised much in GA (stated in AL), I use Alfa Isurance. Coverage is remarkably lower! I also checked into Travelers for interior condo coverage - WOW! Alfa beat them by hundreds for superior coverage.
By gia @ 11/02/09 04:21:24 PMreport abuse
I'm with Chris
"What in the hell does my credit rating have to do with car insurance?"

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. It's an excuse for the insurance scammers to raise your rates. And, they do it in collusion. And I'm damned if I pay it. I've been driving for 10 years with no accidents and no insurance and I will keep doing it so long as the insurance THIEVES use the law to fleece us. Wake up people, they are scavengers!
By Tom @ 11/02/09 04:19:03 PMreport abuse
Chris, I'll tell you WHY
Your "iffy" credit status and the fact that you been driving without coverage for years are measurable and objective indicators of responsibility. The insurance companies are expecting your future actions to be as immature as your past behavior. They expect you to cost them money with bad decisions behind the wheel. I expect they're right.
By Amy @ 11/02/09 03:31:51 PMreport abuse
It's not just the price
Great analysis, particularly the last graph about not always chasing a lower premium. We have USAA and I would GLADLY pay a higher premium for the kind of stunningly-good customer service we get. Not to mention the company's sound longterm financial condition, immediate response, willingness to fight for customers in disputes and impressive related financial services. Price is important when you're buying insurance, but it's not the only consideration.
By Bill @ 11/02/09 02:05:02 PMreport abuse
Chris how will you pay for my husbands injury's
CHRIS PLZ read all of this and think it through. Your worthless insurance would pay for our truck that was totaled. It would pay for my husbands serious injury's and surgery. Chris as a medical student we would sue you and keep suing you for decades until you paid all the bills. The accident wasn't our fault. The other driver was negligent. She was a hit and run and was found in the forest by the police. My husband has lost more than a year of his normal life and is in pain 24/7. He can't work our land, the new windows are not installed, he didn't get to attend Philmont Scout ranch and hike 80 miles with your child and his crew, he can't work on many of the merit badges his boys need help with, he can't do his normal volunteer work that he does every month, he can't type with his right hand and is an IT professional so has to type all day, he has to have surgery on his right arm all because of the accident he didn't cause. Chris he couldn't even be intimate without massive pain. CHRIS how are you going to pay for this? Think it through Chris...... If the negligent woman didn't have high insurance we would have to pay ourselves and it would come from my sons college fund. You Chris need to really think this through and see why insurance is a must.
By Pamala @ 11/02/09 01:29:51 PMreport abuse
Chris! You are kidding arent' you??!!
Chris, Your reply reflects negligence, ignorance and disregard for the public. I do hope you either pursue another career or grow up! I won't hire you to provide medical care for me!
By jongra @ 11/02/09 01:14:15 PMreport abuse
Switching homework
I was getting tired of the high rates I was paying Allstate for my home and cars. I finally made myself do a lot of research and phone calls for better rates. I ended up switching both to Cotton States and saved a total of $3000 per year!!! It pays to shop around but make sure you check all of the details. Also remember that the insurance companies you see advertised the most are also going to be expensive and they have to cover all of those advertising costs.
By D @ 11/02/09 01:03:24 PMreport abuse
ins
Amica is so fantastic. I have yet to have a claim, but by far the best to deal with and the best price.
By Huhhman @ 11/02/09 12:56:52 PMreport abuse
Vehicle ins
I have had a number of insurers over my lifetime. 46 years of driving and most of the insurers were very good including Allstate, Progressive and State Farm. The one I tell people to stay away from is GEICO. When I was stationed at Great Lakes Navel Base I had Allstate and I had 4 accidents (3 totals and one just damage) NONE my fault. No rate increase! When I moved to Connecticut I called GEICO and they quoted me cheaper rates even adding a motorcycle to the policy. I told the lady on the phone about my accidents (what a boo boo that was) and asked if that would affect the rates. She said they were not my fault so "no problem". So when I received the paperwork in the mail I wrote a check and called Allstate to cancel my policy (no sense in paying twice right)? Two weeks later instead of my policy I received my check back and GEICO said they would not cover me because of my incidents. I called the 800 number and was astonished at what I was told. The man I man spoke with said they could not be responsible for what I was told over the phone! I called Allstate back to get my policy back but could not because they knew I had 4 incidents on my record. Try looking for insurance once you are either denied or cancelled
might as well try taking an ice cube to the devil himself.
By Ron @ 11/02/09 12:48:34 PMreport abuse
Switching Car Insurance
One thing no one has mentioned is will the company I'm switching to stand by me?
I switched to Met Life car insurance, years ago, and had one small $2,100 at fault accident. Met doubled my premiums. They NEVER looked at the car I hit. Said they don't have appraisers as costs too much. The accident was only a small dent about $500. And yes I know, used to be a car mechanic and did body work. I switched from them as wasn't going to pay double. Check out the company you switch to as you may be jumping from the frying pan into the fire!

Art4jy
By Art @ 10/26/09 08:05:33 PMreport abuse
Lots of variables
When I was shopping for insurance my agent (who sold progressive!) couldn't beet $2500/6 months (2 vehicles, full coverage, 300k liability, drivers 22 and 20). Progressive came in at $1600, Geico wanted $4500!!!

I must say I had great service from Progressive. I had a $10k uninsured motorist claim (hit and run, my car wasn't moving) after the first year and had no bump in my rates. 2 years later with a 3rd driver on my policy we had a car totaled (faulty airbag sensor and a very small rock, but it was technically a collision even though there was no body damage), and they were again very easy to work with. The 3rd driver went onto his own policy and our rates went back to where we started.

After 6 more months I shopped my insurance, and now Geico only wanted $1200 for the same coverage. We switched. Never filed a claim.

2 (or 3) years later I switched again, to Amica. Unfortunately I have 3 claims with them this last year, hail damage on the house, hail damage on one vehicle, and a break in with $17k in damages to another. They have been great. Now we are going to add a boat and an umbrella with them. I will shop around for piece of mind, but other carriers will have to do significantly better to even get considered.
By Charlie @ 10/26/09 05:26:37 PMreport abuse
Liability
To Chris below - you do know that if you have an accident, you're going to be paying well over $7,000 for the other person's car repair and potential injuries or lost wages, right? If you see liability insurance as "worthless", you're not understanding the very basics of consumer finance. Other "little guys" who get in accidents with people like you are having to pay the cost of your lack of coverage.

And be aware that any claim against you can easily be taken out of your future wages. Very, very bad bet to save a few hundred dollars a year.

Also, as far as I know, states that require liability also require proof of insurance before you can register your car. So don't plan to "break the law" - you won't be permitted to. I won't even go into what would happen if you DO have an accident without legally mandated insurance and get criminally charged for that, but you may way want to think through those consequences as well.
By Sydney @ 10/26/09 04:01:10 PMreport abuse
The loudest ad isn't always right
I'm an independent insurance agent representing about 20 companies. Progressive is one of them, but we only put high-risk (read: bad) drivers with them because they will insure drivers with poor driving records. However, their pricing for good drivers with the same coverage as other companies is usually not competitive. It can be as much as 30% more. The same can be said for Geico, as we compete against them as well. Both of these companies are basically going after the market for bad drivers who want minimum or low limits of insurance. For the good driver, there are always better options.
By An insurance agent @ 10/26/09 02:40:09 PMreport abuse
Chris is an idiot
As a medical student maybe you should do a rotation in the ER and discover the medical cost of an even minor at-fault accident without insurance. That's where your so-called worthless liability insurance comes into play. Because I guarantee that any injured person who was hit by a medical student is going to plan to collect for their bills for a very large sum and for a very long time.
By Reality @ 10/26/09 02:33:59 PMreport abuse
Listen closely to the ads.
Listen closely to the ads. They say the 'average savings of customers who SWITCHED to company X' saved hundreds of dollars. It's no surprise they can always save somebody money (especially if they sell them a lesser policy), and how many people would switch if it cost them more. I'm guessing not many. So of course their numbers look good.
By Tim Arheit @ 10/26/09 01:35:43 PMreport abuse
Paying for Chris
Your welcome Chris. When you're in an accident, those of us who are responsible enough to have insurance in Wisconsin will pay for you in our uninsured/underinsured premiums. Your $7,000 you've saved is peanuts compared to a medical lawsuit!
By Paying for chris @ 10/26/09 01:19:47 PMreport abuse
Been driving without insurance for 5 years
I have 2 autos both I bought in 99', a good 93'4x4 for winter and a decent 99'sedan for summer, both autos currently blue book at under $3,000. I work full-time and have been a medical student the last 2 years and have 1 year left and 2 years of training at low pay after that. Wisconsin has offered me the no insurance option and I've been grateful, when I first moved here I just continued my auto insurance which I had carried on every auto I have owned since 18. When my rates bumped up a bit for the location change, which was very suspect being I came from a larger metropolitan area, I shopped around and in this process I found out I didn't have to carry auto insurance. SCORE ONE for the little guy! Since I've dropped my insurance I have saved $60(4x4) $50(sedan)x62 months= Almost $7,000, and this is just adding up worthless liability insurance which covers NOTHING. I have saved more than what my two autos are even worth. BUT! With the new year comes a new law, Wisconsin residents MUST insure any vehicle titled in their name, no exceptions! This sucks, but the real problem is that there is no wording in the law that limits how much an insurance company can charge for bare minimum no coverage liability. I have been shopping around now, and even though I have a perfect driving record, no accidents and no claim attempts, the quotes I'm getting are HIGHER than ever! I was told because I haven't had coverage for so long this effects the price a bit. WHY? I had coverage for over 10 years prior? I was also told since I have out student loans and my credit is in a "iffy" state, this effects my rates the most. WHAT!? What in the hell does my credit rating have to do with car insurance? Oh, guess who sponcered and fought for this new law? The insurance companies! Just like everything in this country, it's all about the money. How fricking sad is that? I can't even afford health insurance, so I plan on breaking the law until and if I'm caught. What kind of society forces people to steal and cheat? This is basically what I am being forced to do. I'll choose food and gas money over car insurance.
By Chris @ 10/26/09 12:45:28 PMreport abuse
Progressive commericals just sound scammy middleman nonsense to me.

I really can not stand Geico, mostly because they advertise so much. It makes me wonder how could they be cheaper. I used to have auto with geico back when you had to belong to government to get it. They weren't that cheap. I was with statefarm for like 15 years. But every year no points or accidents and the coverage kept going up. I moved to amica and saved over 30%, statefarms offer was probally to cut my rate 5%. Now that statefarm is leaving housing ins in Florida I have no use for them.
By anonymous @ 10/26/09 09:57:11 AMreport abuse
insurance
i have acuity insurance for auuto and home . their service and rates have been fantastic.
By mike from milwaukee @ 10/23/09 07:30:50 PMreport abuse

Geico

I have been with Geico for a few years and never had a claim. Well..last year I had a accident unfortunately deemed my fault even thou I was hit. Too long of a story, justice not served fairly. Even the police report was not correct and trying to correct that was a hassle. So I gave up! Let me state no injuries involved. Really a minor fender bender. I was told if I took this to court by the police sergeant 60% would be in my favor. But, I don’t have time or extra money. The main issue of my story is I been with Geico for many years, no claims, so they made a 100% profit off of me. I have no speeding tickets or violations. Well my rates went up about 50%...not even warned. I feel, I am good driver and one minor accident should not increase that high. So Geico would rather lose a fairly good customer due one minor accident.
That does not make sense to me at all. Good-news I'm going with a new insurance one of top 10 and just few hundred dollars over my old rate with Geico. It’s sad I did like Geico and was impressed how fast they handle the repair to my car.

By Sam @ 03/13/10 12:25:28 PMreport abuse

GEICO & State Farm

We've been loyal to our car insurers. Two companies since 1964.

First we had 3-car and 4-car policies with State Farm (their eastern region office is here) for 20+ years, some including our teenage girls. Rates kept rising, rising, rising. No accidents until someone ran a light and nicked my Wagoneer's front end.

Damage: one of a pair of $50 JC Whitney bumper over-riders. State Farm insured him, too. I made no claim but State Farm insisted on an appraisal. I was pressured into signing off for $500 - totally undeserved and unwanted. I'd have signed the waiver for nothing, and said so over and over, but he insisted on paying me. No wonder State Farm’s rates kept rising!

Then the State Farm company switched from an annual policy to a semi-annual one and rates REALLY soared. I did some research and found GEICO, the company that gives you personal attention 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Sorry, but no agency of salesmen can touch that level of service, even if we’re pals from Rotary and go to the same church.

And the cost was 25% less than State Farm for the identical policy. And we were NEW customers there, not 20-year, clean record old customers.

We've now been with GEICO insuring 3 cars for 20+ years. Our rates are a fraction of what I read in this forum.

My wife’s lifetime accident record consists of sideswiping a Thunderbird in 1958, scraping a fender in 1968, and having her passenger door backed into in a shopping center parking lot in 2008.

My record isn't so great. I rear-ended a brand new SUV at about 2 mph and it was my fault. No injuries but my grill was pushed back an inch and the SUV's cargo door was pushed forward an inch.

Turned out he was also insured with GEICO. Their policy is that if both are insured here they waive the deductible and cover both parties 100%!

They decided my old GM barge needed $1400 in repairs. It wasn't worth that, so they called it totaled, paid me $1400, then sold the car back to me for $175. There were no repairs needed but minor cosmetics, so I used the car for another 3 years, then sold it to someone for $100 who did a valve job and used it for another 5.

A decade later I shared responsibility for my rear bumper ripping the front end clip off a new Thunderbird. GEICO bumped my rates for that for 5 years, but not by much, maybe $150 a year. And took off that surcharge when I stayed accident-free.

[Because forum messages are limited to 500 words, this ends here and continues in next message.]

By reybo @ 03/02/10 01:47:45 PMreport abuse

[Continued]

We average one ticket for something, usually minor speeding, every 20 years. We are never an alcohol threat, and pay attention to driving, not socializing behind the wheel.

My wife and I are over 70. We insure a high performance vintage sports car used for joyriding, a Mercedes sedan, and an SUV. They are always in near-perfect condition despite the newest being 21 years old.

We carry the highest liability rates GEICO offers, plus an umbrella policy, and we carry the highest collision deductibles.

The first takes responsibility for what we cause; the second shows we put our money where our mouth is when we say we practice collision avoidance.

My experience recommends going with the largest possible companies. Bigness help, smallness hurts, if you're an insurer.

And buy high liability rates and high collision deductibles. No company wants you jumping up and down and pointing every time you get a scraped bumper. If you think "That's what I buy insurance for," please stay away from my company. Go with Progressive and their hideous ads.

Or maybe Allstate. Dad was a lawyer and warned us more than half a century ago to avoid Allstate. They fought every claim, chiseled you down, and stalled paying by dragging claim after claim into court to force you to settle for less than you were entitled to.

That was Allstate once, as seen by a lawyer. But lawyers see only bad sides. A curse of the profession. And company culture might have changed. See what these forums say, because nothing else is as reliable as you and me, not even a wry gecko.

By reybo @ 03/02/10 01:46:29 PMreport abuse

Some people get it, some don't

I see a mix of people who are very astute and some who have a lot to learn about insurance.

I work in insurance and I while I understood the products before, I see things in a whole different light. Yes, the savings amounts are based on customers who switched, not all quotes. Of course customers who switch are going to save money -- it's common sense. We poll our customers and those savings are based on what they tell us.

I can tell you that people with worse credit DO get into more accidents, it's a fact. That might not apply to you as an individual, but when you put people into large groups, it sure does apply.

Insurance is important... going without it is risky. I've watched people lose what they've worked their whole lives for because of an auto accident, so they could save a few dollars every year. That's not a scare tactic, but please realize what you are doing when you make that choice... it can bankrupt you. Ask your carrier how much it costs to raise your limits, it might not be as much as you think.

My product has more rates possible than there are people in the US and so do many other carriers. We all have different prices, so you need to make sure that you are A) with a good company who B) charges a reasonable rate.

Good luck!

By Chris C @ 02/03/10 10:33:55 PMreport abuse

Try Wawanesa Insurance

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, they only insure good drivers, and those good drivers are treated wonderfully by the company. They pay claims promptly. Their rates are very reasonable. And they don't spend $$ on advertising that we all end up paying for in the end. Most of their advertising is done by word of mouth. Now, if you go and get yourself a DUI or something stupid like that, they'll drop you like a rock. So by insuring only good drivers, it keeps rates down.

By Pam @ 12/24/09 06:12:19 PMreport abuse

Occasional Driver Insurance

I'm a big fan of USAA but I have a question. A 23 year old son is now on his own and is no longer on my auto policy. He works full time, has no vehicle, using public transportation while he establishes himself. USAA has recommended he obtain Occasional Driver Insurance in case he borrows a friend's car or gets a rental. They charge just over $300/year but say it will work to his advantage when he does purchase a vehicle while providing coverage now. I've never heard of this type of insurance. The CAC is closed right now...has anyone had experience in this area?

By Chip @ 12/23/09 05:14:10 PMreport abuse

STATE FARM

In GA if you have Full Coverage Insurance from STATE FARM and you hit someone that lives in your home(like your drive way) that has only liability, STATE FARM unlike everyone else will not cover their damage

By HERSHEL G McCroan @ 12/15/09 09:06:23 PMreport abuse

Beware of State Farm in GA

In GA if you have Full Coverage Insurance from STATE FARM and you hit some that lives in your home(like your drive way) that has only liability, STATE FARM unlike everyone else will not cover their damage

By Hershel G McCroan @ 12/15/09 08:58:01 PMreport abuse

home/auto insurance

we returned home to find two inches of water in the kitchen; water in the dining room, and seeping thru the floor to the basement. The Amica agent had a restoration company on the scene in less than two hours. They were patient with our panic, polite and understanding. No hassle about the claim amount -- I'd recommend them in a heartbeat. (also more coverage for the dollar than State Farm)

By jack kinsner @ 12/14/09 09:11:00 PMreport abuse

esurance

has anyone had any experience with this company?

By Lin @ 11/12/09 01:05:18 PMreport abuse

USAA

USAA is great, until your teenager has an accident or gets a ticket. They raised our rates so high, we left them and won't go back even with the boys out of the house.

By Liz @ 11/05/09 08:34:00 PMreport abuse

Car insurance

This is just my personal experience here. I was with State Farm insurance for over 20 years & I felt that my rates were too high. I did some research and discovered that Progressive was the cheapest. I'm saving over $800 per year.

By Dan @ 11/05/09 09:41:07 AMreport abuse

Car Insurance

Too bad the government doesn't include it in the health care reform.

By Don P @ 11/03/09 11:06:44 PMreport abuse

Insurance

Has anyone shopped/ compared California's companies lately. I pay alot to Geico for minimum coverage on 3 cars and full coverage on one: $245. a month. I can't go without in this state...to many non-citizens w/o insurance.

By Californian @ 11/03/09 11:04:17 PMreport abuse

I'd normally agree with Clarks comment about USAA but, having been with them for 20 years I checked with Farmers to make sure I was getting a good deal. I was able to save $800 a year on house insurance and another $400 a year on car insurance. Service at Farmers has been excellent and I've saved $3600 in the past 3 years.

By Brian @ 11/03/09 05:17:55 PMreport abuse

Tom's "no insurance"

What a surprise, a guy with bad credit thinks driving without insurance is another responsible decision.

I hope your in a minor wreck that results in your car being impounded and your license being revoked and or jail time before you get in a serious wreck and hurt someone and can't pay their bills. You don't buy insurance for you, you're buying it for me!

By Steve @ 11/03/09 12:12:42 PMreport abuse

Ummm, duh!

You mean not all advertising is 100% fact! Quick, someone call the paper, the news, Clark, heck, we need the Marines! Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get down to the car dealer. I hear if I buy one I'll get one free!

By Gabe @ 11/03/09 12:07:58 PMreport abuse

Car Insurance with AMICA

I moved our auto insurance from GMAC to AMICA and am saving nearly 50% in our premiums for the same coverage. I echo Ron's complaint about AMICA's continually pushing life insurance at us.

By Louis @ 11/03/09 10:25:08 AMreport abuse

RATES

I got rates from several, including GEICO, they were $200 higher than Nationwide.

By JOHN @ 11/03/09 09:03:03 AMreport abuse

I have auto insurance with Amica and they are great. I just wish they would quit trying to sell me life insurance.

By Ron @ 11/03/09 08:45:19 AMreport abuse

Ok yes USAA gives great customer service but those reps are stressed out by the demands placed upon them by mgrs. I hate the fact that everytime I call I am solicated by their products. If they dont sell a prodect to me then the rep gets in trouble b/c they are not doing their job. I only know this info since my friend works there. Plus they are not allowed to tell their customers what they can do stop the selling of products on the phone. You have sign up for this online through usaa.com. Some great customer service if all the truth can't be told.

By school girl @ 11/03/09 03:07:37 AMreport abuse

$#%&^$^#% Insurance Companies

If I have older cars and no collision on them why can't the insurance company just cove me as a driver for the required minimums or more that I choose. Why do I have to pay for each car I own? I can only drive one at a time.

By Mike @ 11/02/09 11:04:26 PMreport abuse

insurance coverage

Although not advertised much in GA (stated in AL), I use Alfa Isurance. Coverage is remarkably lower! I also checked into Travelers for interior condo coverage - WOW! Alfa beat them by hundreds for superior coverage.

By gia @ 11/02/09 04:21:24 PMreport abuse

I'm with Chris

"What in the hell does my credit rating have to do with car insurance?"

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. It's an excuse for the insurance scammers to raise your rates. And, they do it in collusion. And I'm damned if I pay it. I've been driving for 10 years with no accidents and no insurance and I will keep doing it so long as the insurance THIEVES use the law to fleece us. Wake up people, they are scavengers!

By Tom @ 11/02/09 04:19:03 PMreport abuse

Chris, I'll tell you WHY

Your "iffy" credit status and the fact that you been driving without coverage for years are measurable and objective indicators of responsibility. The insurance companies are expecting your future actions to be as immature as your past behavior. They expect you to cost them money with bad decisions behind the wheel. I expect they're right.

By Amy @ 11/02/09 03:31:51 PMreport abuse

It's not just the price

Great analysis, particularly the last graph about not always chasing a lower premium. We have USAA and I would GLADLY pay a higher premium for the kind of stunningly-good customer service we get. Not to mention the company's sound longterm financial condition, immediate response, willingness to fight for customers in disputes and impressive related financial services. Price is important when you're buying insurance, but it's not the only consideration.

By Bill @ 11/02/09 02:05:02 PMreport abuse

Chris how will you pay for my husbands injury's

CHRIS PLZ read all of this and think it through. Your worthless insurance would pay for our truck that was totaled. It would pay for my husbands serious injury's and surgery. Chris as a medical student we would sue you and keep suing you for decades until you paid all the bills. The accident wasn't our fault. The other driver was negligent. She was a hit and run and was found in the forest by the police. My husband has lost more than a year of his normal life and is in pain 24/7. He can't work our land, the new windows are not installed, he didn't get to attend Philmont Scout ranch and hike 80 miles with your child and his crew, he can't work on many of the merit badges his boys need help with, he can't do his normal volunteer work that he does every month, he can't type with his right hand and is an IT professional so has to type all day, he has to have surgery on his right arm all because of the accident he didn't cause. Chris he couldn't even be intimate without massive pain. CHRIS how are you going to pay for this? Think it through Chris...... If the negligent woman didn't have high insurance we would have to pay ourselves and it would come from my sons college fund. You Chris need to really think this through and see why insurance is a must.

By Pamala @ 11/02/09 01:29:51 PMreport abuse

Chris! You are kidding arent' you??!!

Chris, Your reply reflects negligence, ignorance and disregard for the public. I do hope you either pursue another career or grow up! I won't hire you to provide medical care for me!

By jongra @ 11/02/09 01:14:15 PMreport abuse

Switching homework

I was getting tired of the high rates I was paying Allstate for my home and cars. I finally made myself do a lot of research and phone calls for better rates. I ended up switching both to Cotton States and saved a total of $3000 per year!!! It pays to shop around but make sure you check all of the details. Also remember that the insurance companies you see advertised the most are also going to be expensive and they have to cover all of those advertising costs.

By D @ 11/02/09 01:03:24 PMreport abuse

ins

Amica is so fantastic. I have yet to have a claim, but by far the best to deal with and the best price.

By Huhhman @ 11/02/09 12:56:52 PMreport abuse

Vehicle ins

I have had a number of insurers over my lifetime. 46 years of driving and most of the insurers were very good including Allstate, Progressive and State Farm. The one I tell people to stay away from is GEICO. When I was stationed at Great Lakes Navel Base I had Allstate and I had 4 accidents (3 totals and one just damage) NONE my fault. No rate increase! When I moved to Connecticut I called GEICO and they quoted me cheaper rates even adding a motorcycle to the policy. I told the lady on the phone about my accidents (what a boo boo that was) and asked if that would affect the rates. She said they were not my fault so "no problem". So when I received the paperwork in the mail I wrote a check and called Allstate to cancel my policy (no sense in paying twice right)? Two weeks later instead of my policy I received my check back and GEICO said they would not cover me because of my incidents. I called the 800 number and was astonished at what I was told. The man I man spoke with said they could not be responsible for what I was told over the phone! I called Allstate back to get my policy back but could not because they knew I had 4 incidents on my record. Try looking for insurance once you are either denied or cancelled
might as well try taking an ice cube to the devil himself.

By Ron @ 11/02/09 12:48:34 PMreport abuse

Switching Car Insurance

One thing no one has mentioned is will the company I'm switching to stand by me?
I switched to Met Life car insurance, years ago, and had one small $2,100 at fault accident. Met doubled my premiums. They NEVER looked at the car I hit. Said they don't have appraisers as costs too much. The accident was only a small dent about $500. And yes I know, used to be a car mechanic and did body work. I switched from them as wasn't going to pay double. Check out the company you switch to as you may be jumping from the frying pan into the fire!

Art4jy

By Art @ 10/26/09 08:05:33 PMreport abuse

Lots of variables

When I was shopping for insurance my agent (who sold progressive!) couldn't beet $2500/6 months (2 vehicles, full coverage, 300k liability, drivers 22 and 20). Progressive came in at $1600, Geico wanted $4500!!!

I must say I had great service from Progressive. I had a $10k uninsured motorist claim (hit and run, my car wasn't moving) after the first year and had no bump in my rates. 2 years later with a 3rd driver on my policy we had a car totaled (faulty airbag sensor and a very small rock, but it was technically a collision even though there was no body damage), and they were again very easy to work with. The 3rd driver went onto his own policy and our rates went back to where we started.

After 6 more months I shopped my insurance, and now Geico only wanted $1200 for the same coverage. We switched. Never filed a claim.

2 (or 3) years later I switched again, to Amica. Unfortunately I have 3 claims with them this last year, hail damage on the house, hail damage on one vehicle, and a break in with $17k in damages to another. They have been great. Now we are going to add a boat and an umbrella with them. I will shop around for piece of mind, but other carriers will have to do significantly better to even get considered.

By Charlie @ 10/26/09 05:26:37 PMreport abuse

Liability

To Chris below - you do know that if you have an accident, you're going to be paying well over $7,000 for the other person's car repair and potential injuries or lost wages, right? If you see liability insurance as "worthless", you're not understanding the very basics of consumer finance. Other "little guys" who get in accidents with people like you are having to pay the cost of your lack of coverage.

And be aware that any claim against you can easily be taken out of your future wages. Very, very bad bet to save a few hundred dollars a year.

Also, as far as I know, states that require liability also require proof of insurance before you can register your car. So don't plan to "break the law" - you won't be permitted to. I won't even go into what would happen if you DO have an accident without legally mandated insurance and get criminally charged for that, but you may way want to think through those consequences as well.

By Sydney @ 10/26/09 04:01:10 PMreport abuse

The loudest ad isn't always right

I'm an independent insurance agent representing about 20 companies. Progressive is one of them, but we only put high-risk (read: bad) drivers with them because they will insure drivers with poor driving records. However, their pricing for good drivers with the same coverage as other companies is usually not competitive. It can be as much as 30% more. The same can be said for Geico, as we compete against them as well. Both of these companies are basically going after the market for bad drivers who want minimum or low limits of insurance. For the good driver, there are always better options.

By An insurance agent @ 10/26/09 02:40:09 PMreport abuse

Chris is an idiot

As a medical student maybe you should do a rotation in the ER and discover the medical cost of an even minor at-fault accident without insurance. That's where your so-called worthless liability insurance comes into play. Because I guarantee that any injured person who was hit by a medical student is going to plan to collect for their bills for a very large sum and for a very long time.

By Reality @ 10/26/09 02:33:59 PMreport abuse

Listen closely to the ads.

Listen closely to the ads. They say the 'average savings of customers who SWITCHED to company X' saved hundreds of dollars. It's no surprise they can always save somebody money (especially if they sell them a lesser policy), and how many people would switch if it cost them more. I'm guessing not many. So of course their numbers look good.

By Tim Arheit @ 10/26/09 01:35:43 PMreport abuse

Paying for Chris

Your welcome Chris. When you're in an accident, those of us who are responsible enough to have insurance in Wisconsin will pay for you in our uninsured/underinsured premiums. Your $7,000 you've saved is peanuts compared to a medical lawsuit!

By Paying for chris @ 10/26/09 01:19:47 PMreport abuse

Been driving without insurance for 5 years

I have 2 autos both I bought in 99', a good 93'4x4 for winter and a decent 99'sedan for summer, both autos currently blue book at under $3,000. I work full-time and have been a medical student the last 2 years and have 1 year left and 2 years of training at low pay after that. Wisconsin has offered me the no insurance option and I've been grateful, when I first moved here I just continued my auto insurance which I had carried on every auto I have owned since 18. When my rates bumped up a bit for the location change, which was very suspect being I came from a larger metropolitan area, I shopped around and in this process I found out I didn't have to carry auto insurance. SCORE ONE for the little guy! Since I've dropped my insurance I have saved $60(4x4) $50(sedan)x62 months= Almost $7,000, and this is just adding up worthless liability insurance which covers NOTHING. I have saved more than what my two autos are even worth. BUT! With the new year comes a new law, Wisconsin residents MUST insure any vehicle titled in their name, no exceptions! This sucks, but the real problem is that there is no wording in the law that limits how much an insurance company can charge for bare minimum no coverage liability. I have been shopping around now, and even though I have a perfect driving record, no accidents and no claim attempts, the quotes I'm getting are HIGHER than ever! I was told because I haven't had coverage for so long this effects the price a bit. WHY? I had coverage for over 10 years prior? I was also told since I have out student loans and my credit is in a "iffy" state, this effects my rates the most. WHAT!? What in the hell does my credit rating have to do with car insurance? Oh, guess who sponcered and fought for this new law? The insurance companies! Just like everything in this country, it's all about the money. How fricking sad is that? I can't even afford health insurance, so I plan on breaking the law until and if I'm caught. What kind of society forces people to steal and cheat? This is basically what I am being forced to do. I'll choose food and gas money over car insurance.

By Chris @ 10/26/09 12:45:28 PMreport abuse

Progressive commericals just sound scammy middleman nonsense to me.

I really can not stand Geico, mostly because they advertise so much. It makes me wonder how could they be cheaper. I used to have auto with geico back when you had to belong to government to get it. They weren't that cheap. I was with statefarm for like 15 years. But every year no points or accidents and the coverage kept going up. I moved to amica and saved over 30%, statefarms offer was probally to cut my rate 5%. Now that statefarm is leaving housing ins in Florida I have no use for them.

By anonymous @ 10/26/09 09:57:11 AMreport abuse

insurance

i have acuity insurance for auuto and home . their service and rates have been fantastic.

By mike from milwaukee @ 10/23/09 07:30:50 PMreport abuse

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Oct 23, 2009 -- Auto insurance ads not all they seem to be

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