Progressive or Allstate?

[calvinlgoh]

I had Allstate increased my premiums this year too. I switched to Farmers.... saved about 40% from their new rate.

[vh_bu98]

I have Progressive and they have been pretty good for the past several years. My rates have never gone up and my coverage is good. My only complaint so far is when I needed the windshield replaced on my BMW, they wouldn't cover the full cost of the OEM windshield. If you own a BMW with a rain sensor, you know that you want the OEM. It's a good thing that I know someone who is in the glass business and he got the OEM covered for me.

[Kapture1]

I would talk to a local independent agent... they have several different companies they can quote you through to give you the best price where as Allstate, Farmers, Progressive, Farm Bureau, GMAC, ect can only price you through their company... and if the price goes up, the only thing they can do to lower the price is lower coverage or increase deductible Where as an independent... you get an increase at renewal, he/she can shop you around for the best price without loosing coverage.

There are insurance companies that spend most of their money advertising... Allstate, Progressive (to an extent), Farmers, ect. That is why you hear about them as an insurance company.

There are other insurance companies that pay their Agents that money instead of advertising... that is why you may not have herd of companies like Badger Mutual, Hastings Mutual, Grange Mutual, Hanover Insurance Company, Auto-Owners, ect. I would urge you to at least let a local agent give you a comparison quote

[goduke1]

I have had GEICO for 2 years, and filed 1 claim with them so far. They were very fast in getting the vehicle repaired after hail damage, and rates have remained the same. 2 vehicles @ 800 a year VS my old company 1200 a year (same coverage).

If your a government employee (Federal, State or Local) you get a discount too.
Government Employee's Insurance Company = GEICO

[AWATCH]

As someone in the auto body repair business, I would suggest you go talk to the repair shops, they will tell you the truth about who will fix your car properly...There are many companies out there that are excellent. There is more to insurance than just the cost involved in buying the policy. Good coverage and a company that supports the use of OEM parts and putting the vehicle back to the pre-loss condition.

[Kapture1]

Originally Posted by AWATCH

As someone in the auto body repair business, I would suggest you go talk to the repair shops, they will tell you the truth about who will fix your car properly...There are many companies out there that are excellent. There is more to insurance than just the cost involved in buying the policy. Good coverage and a company that supports the use of OEM parts and putting the vehicle back to the pre-loss condition.

A lot of companies will offer the OEM endorsement for extra money, but no company that I know if will put OEM parts of the box on a 10 year old vehicle. Auto insurance policies are ACTUAL CASH VALUE policies, not replacement policies. That is exactally why you get paid blue book...
And pre-loss condition will never be brand new unles you get in an accident driving off the car lot. Usally companies will use OEM parts on a NEWER vehicle, but once the vehice is a year or two... not so much

[AWATCH]

Originally Posted by Kapture1

A lot of companies will offer the OEM endorsement for extra money, but no company that I know if will put OEM parts put of the box on a 10 year old vehicle. Auto insurance policies are ACTUAL CASH VALUE policies, not replacement policies. That is exactally why you get paid blue book...
And pre-loss condition will never be brand new unles you get in an accident driving off the car lot. Usally companies will use OEM parts on a NEWER vehicle, but once the vehice is a year or two... not so much

There is some truth to your statements, but there are companies that will not use aftermarket parts period, they might use "used" OEM parts but not generic. You are also correct that on an older vehicle generic parts may be used as an alternative, but it should be the owners decision not the insurance companies.
You are also correct as pre-loss condition will not be brand new, but it should be as good as it was before the loss with parts that fit correctly and are the same thickness gauge and have the same markings as OEM. Just a simple example - a grill for a Chevy truck for instance has a bow-tie emblem cut out on a factory grill, on an aftermarket it does not because of copyright infringements. If the insurance company were repairing your Rolex you would want the crown on the dial wouldn't you? I deal with this every day and have been doing this for about 40 years, for the most part most insurance companies take care of the customers and they are a business and must make profits to stay in business, but also as a consumer I look for the company to also take care of me as well.

[Kapture1]

Originally Posted by AWATCH

There is some truth to your statements, but there are companies that will not use aftermarket parts period, they might use "used" OEM parts but not generic. You are also correct that on an older vehicle generic parts may be used as an alternative, but it should be the owners decision not the insurance companies.
You are also correct as pre-loss condition will not be brand new, but it should be as good as it was before the loss with parts that fit correctly and are the same thickness gauge and have the same markings as OEM. Just a simple example - a grill for a Chevy truck for instance has a bow-tie emblem cut out on a factory grill, on an aftermarket it does not because of copyright infringements. If the insurance company were repairing your Rolex you would want the crown on the dial wouldn't you? I deal with this every day and have been doing this for about 40 years, for the most part most insurance companies take care of the customers and they are a business and must make profits to stay in business, but also as a consumer I look for the company to also take care of me as well.

What are some of the insurance companies that you have a harder time with? I have always figured that it was up to the disgression of the adjustor, but I'm sure there're companies out there that when you see their names on the claim acknowledgement you cringe. I have herd some horror stories and clearly a few insurance companies believe that making a profit comes before customer service.

I also sell Progressive and have seen them take over 8 months to pay out on a total on a Harley (and they had photos and an appraisal on file from the day that policy was written)... I have also seen them take less than 30 days to pay on a total on my friends R6 (which by the way he was driving the cycle and he wasnt even listed on the policy as an opperator). It is also common pratice for Progressive to make customers pay for their broaden collision deductible on a hit while parked situation until they provide a written statement from the police that the damage was caused by a hit while parked... which makes it difficult because 99% hit while parked claims happen in a parking lot... on private property... where police are not obligated to go out to write a report.

To the consumer, claims are #1. You are right, the biggest question I receive is will this insurance company take care of me at the time of loss. Afterall, claims service is the reason people buy insurance in the first place. The companies that I sell dont use aftermarket.

[AWATCH]

Originally Posted by Kapture1

What are some of the insurance companies that you have a harder time with? I have always figured that it was up to the disgression of the adjustor, but I'm sure there're companies out there that when you see their names on the claim acknowledgement you cringe. I have herd some horror stories and clearly a few insurance companies believe that making a profit comes before customer service.

I also sell Progressive and have seen them take over 8 months to pay out on a total on a Harley (and they had photos and an appraisal on file from the day that policy was written)... I have also seen them take less than 30 days to pay on a total on my friends R6 (which by the way he was driving the cycle and he wasnt even listed on the policy as an opperator). It is also common pratice for Progressive to make customers pay for their broaden collision deductible on a hit while parked situation until they provide a written statement from the police that the damage was caused by a hit while parked... which makes it difficult because 99% hit while parked claims happen in a parking lot... on private property... where police are not obligated to go out to write a report.

To the consumer, claims are #1. You are right, the biggest question I receive is will this insurance company take care of me at the time of loss. Afterall, claims service is the reason people buy insurance in the first place. The companies that I sell dont use aftermarket.

I can see where you are coming from and as a consumer I have had a few instances where I had to deal with auto insurance companies and from my experiences I have chosen one of the larger very well known companies for my street cars and another well known company for my hot rods and antiques and a specialty company for my bike. Rates a little higher but the claims process is without question perfect. There are many other companies large and small which as a repair shop I can say are prabably just as good. There are some companies out there though that I would not use if they were free, unfortunately being known in the business I will not mention names. This is why I recommended to the OP to talk to repair shops. I am sure that an honest insurance agent would give honest advice as far as coverages and price but they would probably not be to familiar with the repair end of the business as I am.

[Kapture1]

I have only been in the insurance business for 5 years, and to be honest, I know very little about repairing a car. i had one bad experience personally... One body shop that I sent a lot of business too, I took my mustang there after a lady had backed into it. Being a newer car, my insurance company ok'd a new rear quarter panel... I inspected the work when I got my car back and noticed all of the factory welds were present. He had patched the damage and charged the insurance company for a new quarter... They're a few shady people out there that give the rest a bad name...

[Green Sub]

Just a quick followup on the Progressive MyRate program.

I installed the monitoring device on my 2007 Mustang garage queen on January 23 and today, February 28, I see my first projected savings. It is $46.00, 17%.

I haven't driven the Mustang any except cranking it weekly and moving it on to the driveway for detailing in the last 4 weeks. I truely am hoping to save a lot with the MyRate program because of it's low annual mileage.

BTW, I wouldn't put one of these devices on my daily driver

[Green Sub]

I would also like to add that I called Amica 2 weeks ago when my homeownwers policy was up for renewal, because their online quote was about $100 less than Allstates after projected dividend rebate.

I had a few questions before making the switch. The CSR started asking me the usual questions and came upon this one.

CSR - "Do you have any (subject not allowed in this forum) in the home?"

Me - "Yes"

CSR - "Do you keep any of the (subject not allowed in this forum) loaded?"

Me - "Yes"

CSR - "I am sorry but we can not insure your home if you keep loaded (subject not allowed in this forum)"

Me - "Amica doesn't seem to be the insurance company for me"

I renewed my Allstate policy. I sure am glad I called first.

[HL65]

I use Allstate--they have been great. I had to file some expensive claims and tehy paid without any hassle. Been with them for 20 years. Was with Geico too for a bit--they were pretty good but did not have claim experience with them.

[sea-dweller]

Try Amica, if it's available in your area...

[Volant997]

+1 on GEICO, but here's the trick. When you go to the web site and enter all your vehicle info for a quote you will be asked to enter in the cost of your current insurance coverage. Enter in something significantly lower than you are paying now... GEICO will only try to beat your current coverage by 10-15% so by putting in the lower number they come down further than they would have had you entered in your actual cost of coverage. I don't see doing that as unethical - they really have no right in knowing that info anyway as you negotiate your new rate.

Also, go with the 3 payment plan or single payment. Spreading the payments equally across 6 months leads to a BIG additional cost with GEICO.

[Army_Doc]

Originally Posted by mrh1797

Absolutely, Geico is the best auto carrier I ever had. Great customer service, very easy to communicate with and great pricing!!

x2! I went through this about a month ago:

IMAG0066.jpg



Within an hour of the crash I called Geico, and while I was still waiting for my friend to pick me up, Geico called me to let me know my rental was waiting, and that a tow truck would take my car to one of their facilities. Within 3 days I had a call from their adjuster letting me know how much I was getting, and offering to extend my car rental for as long as I needed (up to 30 days). I let him know that I had a couple extra options then what was listed (premium sound, etc) and he adjusted the price over the phone. I picked up my check a coupe days later, and dropped off the title. Painless, easy, and my rates barely went up (no tickets, first accident, caused by weather). I pay a little more with Geico compared to USAA or some of the other brands, but it's worth it.

EDIT: A friend of mine also got into an accident the same day. He uses another smaller insurance company, who's name I don't remember (through his parent's work)..days after I picked up my check he was still waiting for the adjuster to see his car.

-karl

[Green Sub]

Well I wanted to post the results of my experience with the My Rate program with Progressive. In my case it didn't work out well at all. Instead of providing me with a discount for my next 6 month policy it is projected that my rate for my 2007 Pony Package would go up $30.

I called and asked why. My mileage for the last 2 months was less than 1 mile. I cranked the vehicle at least once per week as requested. I was told they had questions about Feb 19 where I logged 0 miles, but ran the car for 30 minutes. I told the CSR that I pull my Pony out on the driveway for detailing and let the engine run. Anyway, when that was brought up I immediately told her I wanted out of the program and that I would be returning the device.



Anyway, my Pony has shed it's chains and is out of the stable. What was I thinking.

[Bisquitlips]

Geico got us in a few years back and then every 6 months thereafter jacked up our rates for no reason. No accidents, no claims, no more Geico!

[Rscmaine]

Progressive - 4 claims in 8 years - 4 checks in my hand the next day.


Allstate? Sister in law died in house fire - lawsuit took 2 years to get paid by Allstate and costs lawyers fees.

I am an insurance agent and I will never do nusiness with Allstate.

[Lowflight]

Anything BUT progressive

[Rscmaine]

Originally Posted by Lowflight

Anything BUT progressive

Why? Bad claims experience or do you just dislike Flo?

[sevykor]

Here's what not to get: http://law.freeadvice.com/insurance_...-companies.htm

[Lowflight]

Originally Posted by Rscmaine

Why? Bad claims experience or do you just dislike Flo?

Her and the founder of the company.

[ArthurPE]

been with Progressive forever...
great service, great rates...
BMW M3, Porsche 951, Audi RS4, and Mini Clubman full coverage $1200/year...
declared business use for the RS4 too...

somebody rear ended my wife at a stop light, they sent an agent out on a Sunday to do the report...

[Kapture1]

Call a local independent agent... they can quote a few different companies for you

[walds11]

Agreed. That's the route I go.

Originally Posted by Kapture1

Call a local independent agent... they can quote a few different companies for you

[HL65]

PS--I have a pending Umbrella claim with Allstate--if they deny it--which they shouldn't-I will change my opinion!!!!