Insurance Agent Forum

[NHB_MMA]

Originally Posted by InsuranceGuy

Your Choice Auto

There is not one company that can offer you...

Accident forgiveness (for multiple accidents)
Safe Driving Deductible Reward (100 bucks off your deductible instantly, up to 500 bucks off)
Safe Driving Bonus (Up to 5% credit that can be applied to your next renewal premium.

All in one package.

Why the negative opinion?

Just bad experiences within my family. Years ago, they dropped my older sister for an accident that really amounted to very little. Before I was born, an uncle of mine was driving down the road when a guy came flying out of his driveway and hit into my uncle. Somehow Allstate tried to claim it should be 50/50 fault, when even the guy felt bad about it and basically acknowledged to my uncle that he was at fault.

I hope they've changed their corporate philosophy in the years that have past, but my family has never had anything to do with them since. Glad they've worked out for you.

[InsuranceGuy]

Originally Posted by NHB_MMA

Just bad experiences within my family. Years ago, they dropped my older sister for an accident that really amounted to very little. Before I was born, an uncle of mine was driving down the road when a guy came flying out of his driveway and hit into my uncle. Somehow Allstate tried to claim it should be 50/50 fault, when even the guy felt bad about it and basically acknowledged to my uncle that he was at fault.

I hope they've changed their corporate philosophy in the years that have past, but my family has never had anything to do with them since. Glad they've worked out for you.

You arent the only person that has said that to me, and to my understanding that is a thing of the past...

[mazz8]

Allstate is over priced in my area. One man took his policies and save over 1200 a year. You also pay extra for all those services. Erie Insurance is the best all around in the North East. Number 2 on JD Powers list.

[CHUMPS FROM OXFORD]

Amica (Ugh-Mee-Kuh) isn't bad either (Eee-ther).

I hope Chris Young is OK.

[saieddie]

Allstate is kicking everyones ace in my area. They do it every few years though. I expect next year will see double digit increases again.

Erie is definitely in my top 5. I've been trying to get an appointment w/them for years. Every time I talk to the area manager, he says they have enough agents in my area.

[buzzard]

In my experience, there are many good auto insurance companies, what most folks need is a good agent. Captive or independent, most people come in looking for the "cheapest" insurance, when they need good value and coverages.
A good agent will assess needs and reccomend what the customer needs, too many agents just want to be five bucks lower per month than the guy across the street.
If I had to say which companies are the "best", my answer would be those who don't upcharge as much for higher coverages. Too many companies have a smoking rate at state minimum levels, but discourage the additional liability of higher coverages by making the cost of going to those coverages prohibitive.

[healthagent]

I have not personally found that an agent makes any difference when it comes time for a claim. Then the wheels start spinning regarding the insurance company giving you the least amount possible - low-balling what they'll pay for total loss, low-balling the shop for repairs and becoming very heavy-handed with what repairs they'll authorize. I have had fantastic agents in the past who can do absolutely nothing to stop the company from screwing with you.

[saieddie]

I agree the agent makes a world of difference in the company you choose. (Thats why I kick Geico's ass 9 times out of 10) I've had many times where service agents bent over backwards for me after they'd told the client "there is no possible way". Not so much on the claims side, but there have been occasions where I've gotten stuff covered that they were denying. We're better for the insurance companies too. I've discouraged many nickel and dime claims that would take up valuable time for their claims agents.

However, one reason I left Metlife was because their rates were hundreds of dollars more, in most cases (in VA), than my other standard insurance competition. Quality of service and superior coverages can only take you so far.

[saieddie]

Before I forget. I voted for Metlife for my favorite company because they've got really good products - rate leaves something to be desired. I wish I could cast a second vote for GMAC. They really are very good to their agents, and are really easy to work with.

[BKrocko]

Originally Posted by buzzard

In my experience, there are many good auto insurance companies, what most folks need is a good agent. Captive or independent, most people come in looking for the "cheapest" insurance, when they need good value and coverages.
A good agent will assess needs and reccomend what the customer needs, too many agents just want to be five bucks lower per month than the guy across the street.
If I had to say which companies are the "best", my answer would be those who don't upcharge as much for higher coverages. Too many companies have a smoking rate at state minimum levels, but discourage the additional liability of higher coverages by making the cost of going to those coverages prohibitive.

This is so true. The issue I have with Geico or Esurance - any company that you sign up on-line or call into a central number is that they are no different than Ehealth Insurance. All they want to do is sign you up for the "Wrong Start Plans". It's all about price and not quality.

Think I'm kidding? When I sold P&C, I would not sign anyone up without taking 100K/300K/100K even though the State Minimum was 25K/50K/15K. The difference in coverage was only about $30 every 6 months. If you think it doesn't make a difference, try hitting a new Lexus and then finding out that you only have State Minimum coverage of $15K for their property damages or 25K medical damages (50K aggregate). Congratulations, you get to buy someone a new Lexus out of your own pocket.

A good agent makes all the difference in the world if they have your best interest in mind. I replaced policies that only had the minimum coverage all of the time - people were amazed that they had so little coverage and it was never explained to them. Most never even blinked an eye to the nominal extra premium to protect themselves.

[mazz8]

Amica is a deirect writer so no room for us. I got luck and just very recently got my appointment with no sales experience. Been in the Industry for over 5 years.

[Newby]

WHo is my favorite auto insurance company?

Whoever the guy that just hit me has of course.

Only company I've have problems with is State Farm. They are stupid.

Stupid things they've done to me...

1st Dropped ALL motorcycle coverage on everyone back in 1988

2nd Tried to raise my rates to high risk when I married my wife because they said we each had 1-minor ticket in our past and so that was 2-tickets with only 1-car insured through them in a household. That's when I fired them after 20+ years with NO CLAIMS because I had to explain that we can't both drive the 1-car at the same time so their logic was flawed.

[buzzard]

I think your favorite insurance company is whoever you had a great experience with, and the one you hate is the one that did you over on rates or a claim-which is often the same company your friend raves about. I am fascinated by the underwriting and claim paying quirks that each company has as they try to find the magical formula that will get that combined ratio below 95 while keeping rates competitive and keeping the greatest number of customers happy. My company has them too, but hey, they'er our quirks...
FWIW, I hear more good things than bad about State Farm, and frankly, more bad things than good about Allstate, but both have millions of satisfied customers. And no, I don't work for State Farm.

[Krono]

I noticed that Farmers is not in the poll.

Any reason for that...not that they are my favorite or anything...

[buzzard]

Originally Posted by Krono

I noticed that Farmers is not in the poll.

Any reason for that...not that they are my favorite or anything...

I'll take a wild guess and postulate that the originator of this poll is from the East. Farmers is a major player in the West and Midwest, but has little or no presence in much of the East. If you are in Florida, you have never seen a Farmers agent or policy in your life. Maybe an ad, though they don't run as much national advertising as others. Conversely, I can't avoid Esurance ads, but they aren't in my state, couldn't buy a policy if I wanted to.

[GBA Insurance]

In terms of price, I think almost everyone can (unfortunately) agree that Geico is the leader. Most people don't realize the downsides to them however, ie: should you call to inquire about reporting a claim, it's automatically reported and on your record! They also pay nothing for claims and take forever to do it, but then again, you get what you pay for.

In terms of coverage, nobody beats Chubb (AIG is good too), but again you get what you pay for - they're UP there! People in my area will request a Chubb only quote and are willing to pay almost double to get them. They offer "new parts for old" (and won't give you aftermarket), and they also offer an unlimited ammount available for rental coverage just in case you should live that prestige life, drive a Maybach and need a high end car (or a chauffeur) - you got it!

[al3]

USAA is easily the best... but they restrict their market to ex-military.

In CA I've found CSAA to be quite good.

Al

[Mr. Bill]

I believe USAA has relaxed their restrictions over the years. Used to be even divorced spouses of former military couldn't get it, now they can.

[rain07]

Progressive offers friendly service and good about claims.

[Soaringagent]

This is a great insurance poll - please keep adding your opinions.