What company do you use for car insurance?

[Catfish]

I'm thinking about switching from State Farm to Allstate, but would like to hear from people before I make the leap. State Farm is pretty good, but they're expensive, hence the reason I'm looking for an alternative.

Is Allstate any good? Are there problems with claims and such?

Care to share any pro/cons about your insurance?

Dave
'00 2.5RS Sedan
'00 Passat GLS 4Motion
'72 Datsun 240Z

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[mprezme]

well im with Progressive. i have a 00 legacy GT, and and I pay 171.00/montly. my car is the last one on the list...so i suggest, u put them in this order...
'72 Datsun 240Z
'00 Passat GLS 4Motion
'00 2.5RS Sedan

i dont know how much u know about insurance but the last car on the list will usually be cheaper than the one on top, i know mine is the 5th one down from the list of cars...no probs from progessive, that ive experiences, so just want to give u my 2 cents.

[ColinL]

Dave, this is definitely going to vary from state to state so take this with a fairly large pinch of salt. However, I have Allstate and my policy expires 10/8 so I actually was calling around out of curiosity.

My stats:
married male, age 25, wife 25
no points of any sort on record
two cars, 99 2.5RS and 00 Miata base, both driven 10-20 miles to work each day
full coverage, 100/300/100 limits, $500 deductable

Total policy is $695 per 6 months and the 2.5RS' share is $319 of that.

All these quotes are for the exact same coverage.

Progressive = $1195
State Farm = $1425
Farmer's = $12xx (can't remember exactly)
Shelter = $1350

As you can see no one is even remotely close to what I'm getting out of Allstate. Now the interesting thing is that when I first added the RS (4/99) Allstate didn't have a rate for it, only the Impreza L and OBS.

Every one of these four companies I called did have the 2.5RS. Now am I still getting the Impreza L rate by mistake? Maybe, but that's Allstate's problem and they have my VIN so it's not like I'm deceiving them. I seriously doubt even if this is the case that a 'correct' rate would move my Allstate coverage anywhere NEAR what the other guys are charging.

Anyway, call them all. It's the only way to be sure. And I've been very, very happy with Allstate but I think your agent is MORE important than the provider. My agent is great. (for an insurance salesman. )

[This message has been edited by ColinL (edited September 29, 2000).]

[RideOrDie]

If you live in California and you have at least a decent driving record, I would highly recommed Nationwide. Great policy and customer service. At least call for a quote!

[Patrick Olsen]

USAA. I wrecked my car on a race track, it's probably going to be totalled, and they're gonna pay for it. Need I say more?

My parents have been with USAA forever (35+ years?). We had four kids in the family, 8 years from the oldest to the youngest, so for a pretty long period of time we had at least one teenaged driver wreaking havoc on the streets. Numerous accidents (none of them mine, I'll have you know), totalled one station wagon, pretty much completely rebuilt another station wagon, etc etc. USAA paid out every time.

Unfortunately, USAA is only for military (maybe civilian govt employees too, I'm not sure) and their children.

My stats (before this latest accident): Single, 27, in CT (high insurance rates due to NY and Boston being in the vicinity), two cars - '89 Mustang GT convertible (5000 miles per year, recreational), '99 Legacy 2.5GT sedan (30 miles roundtrip to/from work, 5 days a week), about $850 for 6 months. That's with 100/300/100 (I think), $300 deductible, towing coverage, and full glass coverage. I've never priced anybody else because I don't think anyone can touch USAA's prices and service.

Pat Olsen

[Tim K.]

USAA for me too. My parents have had it forever. Around 38 years and I've used it for about 18. Pat said it all and then some.

[Jewbaru]

I'll tell you what, I HATE Allstate with a passion. Both accedents I've been in, I was rearended, the other driver was insured by Allstate, and both times they tried their hardest to screw me. My first car had quite a bit done to it, as well as alot of upgrades and repairs that were only a WEEK OLD. The car was declared a total loss, and I had to fight with them to get money for the added work I did.

The second time, they tried to undercut me for repairs to the rear, saying only half of the part damaged needed to be repaired.

Then when I was looking for insurance for my Scooby, I called Allstate, and the guy was a MAJOR jerk. He didn't pay attention when I was giving him my info, then he just spouted some obsurdly high quote, and hung up on me.

Needless to say, I hate that damn company!

[kevinsUBARU]

USAA here also. They are great, and from what I understand civilians can get it also. My dad has had it for about 40 years or so and his father has had it even longer. They are reasonable and tool care of us when my dad had a little accident in the driveway with his car (dented quarter pannel and bumper ripped off on the brick seperator between the garages) No questions asked, and check was in the mail.
Kevin

[ColinL]

USAA is great. In some states civilians can get it, our exact insurance laws vary quite a bit from state to state. (No-fault states SUCK, btw.)

In Kansas you can only get USAA if you are military, were active duty for at least 3 years, or have a civilian military job.

wolve, that's exactly what I like about Allstate. (j/k) Actually your issues sound like bad agents all around. I was rear-ended into another car in '94 and Shelter (the person at fault's insurer) did their damnedest to say that I hit the other car and THEN their guy hit me... Even though I had several witnesses saying that they saw me come to a complete stop ~20s before I was hit.

[This message has been edited by ColinL (edited September 29, 2000).]

[North Ursalia]

The thing with Allstate is, it really depends upon who your agent is when it comes to accidents. Allstate happens to be cheaper than everywhere I look (last time I checked GEICO, they would COST me $400, not SAVE me $400). I have an agent who is very good at what he does, if nothing else. He's always gone to bat for me.

[ColinL]

NEVER EVER EVER USE GEICO.

Switch now if you are using Geico. They have such a long history with funding speed enforcement devices it isn't funny. Something seems a bit wrong to me about an insurer that is overly eager to advance technology that will allow its customers to be caught and thus pay more premiums.

Others contribute too I'm sure, but Geico has gone WAY too far, giving low-interest loans to police depts to purchase radar and laser guns. Sickening.

[Jewbaru]

Allstate was $900 HIGHER than my current insurance. This was for 6 months, so $1800 more for a year than my current. My first accident was in NJ, the second, here in St. Louis.

True Colin, do NOT use Geico, I have also read about them funding radar company's, and even giving out speed detecting devices to police departments.

[GREEN HORNET]

I have had the same luck with allstate as Jewbaru unfortunately. The same exact experience actually. And when I was calling to ask for a quote they were way high. I currently am with Progressive. They are not the best I know that right now, but I'm just staying with them until next July. At that time I will be getting married and will switch to State Farm with my fiance, or wife at that time. Wow that is wierd to say, it's nice wierd though. Anyhow I am 22 years old with 2 tickets on my record and I pay $193.17 per month. I dont think that is that bad considering I used to pay $256.00 per month through Safeco Insurance. I have accepted the fact that I like the cars that the Insurance companies like to charge a lot for, that will never change. Hopefully my rate will though.

[Ozobthegr8]

Another satisfied USAA customer!

My wife's father was a doctor(read: officer) during the Korean War. So I felt I was lucky to be able to take advantage of their rates and service. I was under the same impression as my father about USAA membership. As far as who can join USAA, I will have to tell my father that he may be able to join! He was under the impression that only officers and their families could join.... It didn't make sense that the other military veterans could not join after providing the same service to their country.

Any way we have 300/500, full glass, towing, rental, comprehensive, and collision for a '00 Dodge Land Yacht, I mean Durango. And MY '00 RS.

I have also had a great experience with State Farm(Bridgestone/Firestone whistleblower) But as with all agencies and services it depends on who the customer representative is.

[Andre Vandenberg]

I agree... NEVER use GEICO. They were also the $ behind Senator Danforth (Dumb-forth)trying to ban sportbikes in the late 80's. I think they are also in with Progressive with this new tracking device, that will let them know EVERYWERE the car goes, and they can then "adjust" your premiums accordingly....
I'm with Farmers.
43 YO
2 cars (RS to remind me I'm still young & MB SL to "act" my age) ;-)
$370 every 6 mo's
Andre

[montgog]

I myself am another very satisfied user of USAA. I wrecked my 1 ton pulling a 40 foot trailer. I had my commercial insurance and USAA told me not to use it, that they would cover the cost of repair. I was absolutly in awe. What a great company.

[SpeedKills]

USAA!

[T-WRX]

Despite the fact that Geico gave several million for the development of Laser Speed Guns, AND funded their puchase for various law enforcement agencies (called Geico Guns), AND has backed draconian legislation against motor enthusiasts . . .

They are cheap.

I buy insurance based on my wallet, not on my politics. No company could come within $300/year of what Geico offers - and they offer a great combo with property insurance.

Next year my company will offer group discount insurance benefits - so maybe I can change over in time for the new WRX . . .

JD

[Opie]

I've had State Farm for over 9 years and they are great. If your are not already ask (they won't put you in Mutual unless you ask)to be put in there Mutual program, it will drop your current rates by 35-40%. You have to be a Stste Farm customer for 3 years I believe to get in the Mutual thing. For both my Impreza's I pay $104/mo for full coverage 100/300/100, rental car w/ a $250 deductible. Plus as long as you keep receipts, State Farm will insure any "upgrades" without an additional insurance rider.

[Patrick Olsen]

Within the past year or two USAA opened up membership to enlisted military in addition to officers. That's interesting that USAA is available to civilians in some states - I hadn't realized that.

As for GEICO, here's my one experience with them: Last week, went over to the Auto Hobby Shop to work on the car. Some kid was there with his Tbird, passenger side rear quarter panel all banged up, broken taillight, bumper cracked. He's busy with an air grinder taking the panel down to bare metal to start repairing it himself. Why? "My insurance company didn't give me enough money to get it fixed at a body shop." Who's your insurance company? "GEICO." Bummer.

Pat Olsen

[M E R C U R Y]

i got prudential
mad expensive for me
$4116 a year
sucks to be me
but next year im switching, points get deducted, and ill be aight

[SkToBe]

Patrik Olsen, I also have USAA and as I just got my RS a week ago, I called them up to add the car to my policy. After I told them the car I was buying, the first question they asked was "Is this vehicle going to be used as a race car?". I said no, but asked why the question... The agent told me that they had a recent incident in which a car they insured was being was totaled in a race... Coincidence?!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention: $320 for 6 months

[This message has been edited by SkToBe (edited September 30, 2000).]

[Siper2]

Hmm, sounds like many folks enjoy this USAA.
Never heard of it, personally.

I'm with Progressive through AAA. Total coverage with a $250 deductible is running me like $1100/year or so, I believe. Single male, age 24.

-S2-

[T-WRX]

When I lived in Florida I had Progressive High Risk. Back in '89 my insurance was $3500/year. Ouch.

Now, married w/ two cars, my yearly bill is under 1g (w/ Geico). They also haven't raised my rates despite two tickets in the last year.

Pat -- Your Geico story scares me, but I bet the kid you saw had a huge deductable, liability only, or some such.

Final note, USAA is a great company, use them if you can. They just aren't as competetive for non-Military in my area (Chicago 'burbs).

JD

[gtguy]

I use Allstate, and will never, EVER switch. I have also been with Progressive, and State Farm. Neither was as good, or as inexpensive.

I'm in Evanston (unfortunately the 60202 zip code, which includes a high-risk area, even though mine isn't), 38, married with garage, and a car driven for pleasure. The usual whopping limits apply, with a $500 deductible. I also have a totaled vehicle with Allstate (the reason I went to Skippy School...wanted to know better next time), one parking lot hit and run, and a guy who hit me while I was parking. I got to thinking my car was magnetic for a while.

My premium is $840 yearly for a two-driver household, and will go down for my Februrary premium, according to my agent. My first wife had an accident with State Farm, and they paid the claim, then dropped us immediately. I'm an Allstate fan. Claims have been paid promptly, and they've never tried to lowball a repair. I'm sold.

Kevin