Auto Insurance

[Ralph Wiggum]

Having recently turned the big 25, I'm reevaluating my auto insurance options now that they will cost just less than an arm and a leg. Any reccommendations for a good company with good rates? I've been with Progressive for a few years, but now that I'm past that age barrier, I've seen a few more reasonable plans.

Thanks.

[Valv]

Last year I switched to Auto Owners from Farm Bureau, I am saving a bundle but I have a lot of policies (home, vehicles, business, etc.)

You are going to get a lot of names as reply, my suggestion is to visit with some agents and get the best rates with a good coverage, usually Insurance Brookers are cheaper, but depends on agent and companies.

I can guarantee there's many agents on this forum, you'll see many replies soon.....

[Doonbuggy]

You can pull up an online quote at amica.com in about 10 minutes if you have your vehicle's vin. They have proven to be very competitive on price.

They are a financially strong company, I have had excellent customer service, and they only issue 12 month policies.

This is a plus if, for example, you buy a policy on 4/1 and get into an accident on 5/1. Your rates can't be adjusted until the following April.

Be sure to compare limits, too. Others may offer basic limits like $40,000. I think Amica's minimum limits are $300,000.

Amica offers another discount once you hit the age of 30 as well. You also might want to consider puchasing an umbrella. They usually run $100-150 a year for a $1M limit.

(I do not work for Amica, am just a happy customer).

DB

[Bushwacker]

I am an independent agent and I would STRONGLY suggest going to see at least one agent before you go with an internet company or a 800 number company. There is a lot more to insurance than just the cheapest premium. Everyday I see people that are well below where they should be at with their liability coverages. Often times people look at the comp/collision as their most important coverages, but the liability coverage can actually have 20 times the impact on your life in the event of a bad accident. Any agent that you visit should be able to figure out your needs and at least give you a solid basis for a policy. Then if you want to shop online after that, you will at least know what coverages you should have.

[bucks-n-ducks]

I am an indepentant agent, and second all the comments made by bushwacker. I hate 1-800 insurance numbers, I would go to a local agent, buy a policy based on your needs not on price. In an event you ever have a claim you will be happy you bought from a local agent and have proper coverage. I have heard plenty of bad stories with the people that bought from 1-800 companies, and they are really dissatisfied at claim time, they want to talk to a real person, not a computer.

I look at it the same way as I buy my hunting/fishing equipment. I buy 95% of my equipment from small local shops where the owners are more then willing to help you out and give you plenty of options. Sure I could go to a "big-box" store, but I like to keep all the small guys in business as long as I can. I don't have nothing against cabelas, gander,sportsmens or any of those, just gotta try and help the "little" guy make a living!!

Bucks-n-ducks

[ChemE]

In my experience, insurance companies aren't in the business of helping people when they need it. You have to fight tooth and nail to get the money or replacement items you deserve. As soon as you contact the agent, they completely remove themselves from the picture and send out the "adjuster" to deal with you. There job seems to be to give you as little money as possible or replace stuff with inferior equipment. To me, one company is as good as another and the good feelings they try to sell you are just that. I've had experience with both 1-800-insurance and big name companies with independent agents for both auto and home incidents and they are equal. Shop on price not on promised help.

[End of the Line]

I have had alot of major names over the years. I keep shopping every couple of years. I have had Nodak, Grinnel Mutual, Am Family, State Farm, and currently have All-State. Just make sure your comparing apples to apples when you call. Like quote for libility "A" is the same for quote libility "B" from each company. Also if you group your home or renters insurance, or even boat insurance together you sometimes will end up with a better overall price than with a couple of places. Good luck.