Any auto insurance recommendations?

[47ford]

I found out I'm getting screwed by my current insurance company (good service but "rape me" premiums - 3x GEICO's quote and almost 3x State Farm's...you get the idea). I am getting quotes from various company now. What I'm looking for is people that can say either that they have had good service with company xxx (recommendations) or bad service with company yyy (Warning - beware - stay away).

What I've heard so far:
Bad: Titan, progress, Allstate (body shops (at least mine) cringe if you are filing a claim from any companies).

Good:
Farmers, State Farm...

Any personal experiences (with claim service and any other customer service incidents) would be much appreciate.

Thanks and a happy holidays to all,

[Randy Hickman]

Well, I can't say that I've had any claims experience with them, but Esurance was by far the least expensive for me.

[GingerGSR]

I've been with Farmers since '92. They're not the cheapest but I have no complaints. My agent loves me. I have my house & umbrella policies as well as 5 different vehicles being covered. Since I've been with them I've had an "un-insured motorist" claim (Hit & Run) that wasn't questioned, and three accidents (1 was my fault and 2 were the other drivers), all taken care of without any hassle. My agent is always available and constantly looks for ways to reduce my costs.

Farmers has it setup where the body shops on their "approved list" are the appraisers. I just take mine into Sam's in Englewood and they write up the estimate, submit it to Farmers, schedule the shop time all in one spot. Sam's even has a rental car office right there if needed. Plus, they do a complete buffing and clean the interior before handing you back your keys.

[jhadler]

It depends on what you're looking for...

If you just want the lowest price, then shop around or use the progressive comparison quote or something...

If, on the other hand, you're looking for quality insurance, and good customer service, I highly recommend State Farm.

All of our cars are insured through State Farm. Zero deductible glass on all cars as well, and that has more than paid for itself. Living against the foothills, windshields tend not to last very long.

As for claims? I've dealt with numerous insurance companies through the years (in different states, and on both sides of a claim), and have never had a problem with State Farm. The same can't be said for other carriers. Sate Farm even offers collector car insurance, allows for use on public roads so long as it's not the primary vehicle, offers complete coverage, and costs about $100/yr. Oh yeah, the best part? They cover certain driving events... ;) Oh Yes... they do. :)

-Josh2

[47ford]

It depends on what you're looking for...

If you just want the lowest price, then shop around or use the progressive comparison quote or something...

If that was what I was looking for I can get quotes from anybody... (I've already done GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm, still need to do Farmers)


If, on the other hand, you're looking for quality insurance, and good customer service, I highly recommend State Farm.


That my friend is exactly what I'm looking for...


All of our cars are insured through State Farm. Zero deductible glass on all cars as well, and that has more than paid for itself. Living against the foothills, windshields tend not to last very long.

As for claims? I've dealt with numerous insurance companies through the years (in different states, and on both sides of a claim), and have never had a problem with State Farm. The same can't be said for other carriers. Sate Farm even offers collector car insurance, allows for use on public roads so long as it's not the primary vehicle, offers complete coverage, and costs about $100/yr. Oh yeah, the best part? They cover certain driving events... ;) Oh Yes... they do. :)

-Josh2
I was not aware of the "certain" driving events being covered though. Is that standard or an additional rider? And how exactly would you recommend I phrase that to the agent? ;)

[47ford]

I've had Geico for years and never had any problems. Always good service on claims. (Never had a accident, but glass claims were good) Also, I recently got a quote from State Farm just to compare, and it was significantly lower than what I was paying with Geico. I called them with the quote, and they dropped my premium to below what State Farm quoted me, and didn't even ask for proof of the new quote. Also, Geico gives you $50 windshields. I've been through a few

Lucky you, I called my current insurance company with the quote from GEICO and all I got was "Sorry" and that is why I'm shopping now.

And thank you for your input. I'm still learning some of the things that are available (coverage wise) and what to ask for. Some companies have $0 deductible on "Safety glass", Met did NOT offer that coverage in CO...Also I found that "substitute transportation" (aka rental car if your car is in the shop) comes in many flavors starting at only $16/day coverage and going up to $50/day or more (you can't get squat for $16/day even at the insurance rates).

[47ford]

Farmers has it setup where the body shops on their "approved list" are the appraisers. I just take mine into Sam's in Englewood and they write up the estimate, submit it to Farmers, schedule the shop time all in one spot. Sam's even has a rental car office right there if needed. Plus, they do a complete buffing and clean the interior before handing you back your keys.

State Farm apparently is similar to that also. The body shop I've used for my A4 is a State Farm guy (and also an Audi guy, recommend by my Audi only mechanic...but I don't see the trend;)), so of course when I asked him...
Anyways my work uses Farmers as well as one of my co-workers. I still need to get a quote from them (but was already planning too). Thank you for your input.

[ncaruso]

Are you, or a direct family member, a member of the armed services? I have USAA and save a great amount of money every year. Its a great way to go!

Nick

[RAB]

Well, I can't say that I've had any claims experience with them, but Esurance was by far the least expensive for me.
I've got liability only through Esurance and as Randy said its super cheap. I've never hit anyone so I'm not too sure about the claims process, however someone I work with didn't have nice comments about their claims process.
Edit:
USAA is awesome!!!

[Ceolmhor]

Are you, or a direct family member, a member of the armed services? I have USAA and save a great amount of money every year. Its a great way to go!
Nick

I've had USAA insurance (car, house, boat, etc.) since 1968, and I have so much brand loyalty (based on their service) that I've never done a price comparison. So I can't comment on cost, but I don't think there's a better company for service than USAA. Actually, I doubt there's another that's their equal, but I admit it's possible. In principle. Maybe. ;)

Rudy

[47ford]

I've had USAA insurance (car, house, boat, etc.) since 1968, and I have so much brand loyalty (based on their service) that I've never done a price comparison. So I can't comment on cost, but I don't think there's a better company for service than USAA. Actually, I doubt there's another that's their equal, but I admit it's possible. In principle. Maybe. ;)

Rudy

Unfortunately USAA is not an option for me, but thank you for the info.

[47ford]

I've got liability only through Esurance and as Randy said its super cheap. I've never hit anyone so I'm not too sure about the claims process, however someone I work with didn't have nice comments about their claims process.

My last 4 accidents have not been my fault, but one was un-insured, and one was a hit and run, so GOOD/EXCELLENT claim service is more important to me than the cheapest rate by a big margin.

Thanks for the comments.

[Randy Hickman]

I have had claims experience with both State Farm (excellent) and Farmer's (okay). I had significant issues with both companies on the "administrative" end, though. Both companies made accounting mistakes that, for one reason or another, left me unwittingly uncovered for periods of time. For both, I'd say claims=good, everything else=bad.

[mitrebox]

I got great service from American Family Insurance when my ///M Roadster was rear-ended/totaled last June. No complaints, much more than reasonable payoff (more than I expected) with no hassles. :cool:

[47ford]

I just wanted to thank all of you that have responded for your time. I've made my decision (based on numerous factors) and will be saving about $90/mo with expanded coverage (auto & home all with one company). Again thank you all for your time and input I really appreciate it. :)

[RogersWRX]

Just to add my .02 cents for anyone else who might be looking... I have my auto / home through AAA
http://www.aaa.com/aaa/006/insurance-financial.html

They were waaay cheaper than Amica, State Farm, Liberty, Geico, Progressive and Farmers...

Haven't had any claims in the last three years, so can't comment on that! ; )