Here I go again - insurance rate increase

[cookiedough]

Just got this weekend my new 6 month renewal premium from Geico who I switched to from LIberty Mutual that gave me a 20% rate increase.  Geico's new premium went up 11% all thru no fault of my own, both places stating WI payouts have been more than expected B.S.

I'd love to find ONE insurance company in this entire world that rewards easy paying customers who have NO at fault accidents ever nor any claims filed against them.  You'd think any company would want to keep the rates the same or just a 3-5% rate increase per year to avoid loosing good customer base?  Guess not?

Now I have to call around 5-10 other insurance companies to find a better rate all to save 100 bucks every 6 months I hope.  I have no loyalty to any insurance company who treats their customers with no loyalty for staying. 

Some here have USAA but you have to be in the family of military which I am not unfortunately.  Geico calling them today has similar organizations that I am not a member of any who said will give me 1/2 of my premium increase back.    Pretty sad you have to belong to a select few 'organizations' nationwide to get a better rate vs. just paying the bill and not having at fault accidents ever. 

Insurance companies have to change their way of thinking and start wanting to keep good customers to earn my respect and hard earned money.   

[dinosnake]

Just got this weekend my new 6 month renewal premium from Geico who I switched to from LIberty Mutual that gave me a 20% rate increase.  Geico's new premium went up 11% all thru no fault of my own, both places stating WI payouts have been more than expected B.S.

I'd love to find ONE insurance company in this entire world that rewards easy paying customers who have NO at fault accidents ever nor any claims filed against them.

State Farm.  That's who.

I've been with them since 1989 and I'm not switching, ever, it looks like.  Not only have they never raised my rates, they paid out on the single auto incident I've had without question, paid out on the two bike accidents (both involving animals) I had, AND...due to my overall driving record, they sent me a letter stating that they will never cancel me unless I am found guilty of a crime involving a vehicle.  Let's repeat that last bit in case you passed out from the surprise of an insurance company making that statement: never cancel me, no matter what happens, unless I'm guilty of a vehicular crime.

You may now resume rational thought 

[Jack B]

I've been with State Farm for 40 years. Always treated good and when I checked rates S.F. was lower. 

[cookiedough]

thanks for the suggestion on state farm, will call them up to see what rates are.

I find it interesting and really disappointing that most insurance companies value a teenage driver even if 4.0 GPA irrational and jack up the rates 2-3x's more than what they should be.  

I even got one insurance quote from a company that was 1000 bucks on ONE vehicle in 6 month premium just due to a teenage driver on the policy.  I just hung up and laughed that company off.

Keep the suggestions coming on insurance companies,  calling around for next month or so.  

Update: called local state farm agent,  300 bucks higher every 6 months, not. 

[FLAVALK]

Just got this weekend my new 6 month renewal premium from Geico who I switched to from LIberty Mutual that gave me a 20% rate increase.  Geico's new premium went up 11% all thru no fault of my own, both places stating WI payouts have been more than expected B.S.

I'd love to find ONE insurance company in this entire world that rewards easy paying customers who have NO at fault accidents ever nor any claims filed against them.

State Farm.  That's who.

I've been with them since 1989 and I'm not switching, ever, it looks like.  Not only have they never raised my rates, they paid out on the single auto incident I've had without question, paid out on the two bike accidents (both involving animals) I had, AND...due to my overall driving record, they sent me a letter stating that they will never cancel me unless I am found guilty of a crime involving a vehicle.  Let's repeat that last bit in case you passed out from the surprise of an insurance company making that statement: never cancel me, no matter what happens, unless I'm guilty of a vehicular crime.

You may now resume rational thought 

We had State Farm auto & homeowners insurance for over 10-years and they dropped our homeowners policy for no reason other than we live in Florida. They did offer to let us keep the auto, but I told them to shove it. 

[sutterhome]

Try markel insurance just have my bike with them only liability and its 73.00 for the year, was 75 but its actually went down 2 bucks last year.Very steady no real increases in the last 4/5 yrs.

[..]

Run away form American Modern.

[dinosnake]

One of the secrets is to make sure you qualify for the "multi-line" discount; that is, you need to have all your insurance, or at least as much as possible, with the same company.  State Farm, for example, gives you a discount when you do that, it disburses their risk of incurring costs against a greater amount of income from you.

Also, think about the long plan rather than just short term: what happens after years of being with the company rather than worrying about today's bargain.  It is tough, I know, but maybe they lower your rates after a while and make up for their initial higher pricing.  

It is also VERY important to compare coverage between the quotes; are the values EXACTLY the same between company A and B?  Very often the agents create a quote based upon their average client, which varies between locations.  So shop wisely.

[dinosnake]

We had State Farm auto & homeowners insurance for over 10-years and they dropped our homeowners policy for no reason other than we live in Florida. They did offer to let us keep the auto, but I told them to shove it. 

A little research solves the question

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/23/State/State_Farm_to_Florida.shtml

And several more articles: State Farm was looking to pull out of Florida homeowners insurance completely.  Last year they apparently backtracked on that decision and are, quietly and slowly, getting back into the market.

[FLAVALK]

We had State Farm auto & homeowners insurance for over 10-years and they dropped our homeowners policy for no reason other than we live in Florida. They did offer to let us keep the auto, but I told them to shove it. 

A little research solves the question

http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/23/State/State_Farm_to_Florida.shtml

And several more articles: State Farm was looking to pull out of Florida homeowners insurance completely.  Last year they apparently backtracked on that decision and are, quietly and slowly, getting back into the market.

I'm very aware of the situation. They wanted to cherry-pick their exposure. There's a lot less exposure with auto claims than homeowners....especially in Florida.

[WNGD]

There are websites that will search the market for you and send you back a few quotes that you then contact yourself. Just tell the truth on the application

[scooperhsd]

State Farm = +1. I've been with state Farm since I started driving (41 years now),  all 3 cars, my Valk and my house (and a few other misc. things) . They won't drop me and the missus for ANYTHING, inspite of paying out twice on my PC800 .  I rarely see out of line rate increases too. And I'm a HIGH Mileage driver (not so much on the bike) - I average over 20,000 miles per year driving, plus the 10,000 or so miles the wife drives.

[art]

I've had an Ins. agent for ten years and he always gets me good ins. at the best price available and there's no hassle.

[Bighead]

Also, think about the long plan rather than just short term: what happens after years of being with the company rather than worrying about today's bargain.  It is tough, I know, but maybe they lower your rates after a while and make up for their initial higher pricing.  

Nope not happening, I was with the same company and agent from age 16 until  age 48 and rates went up a little every couple of years. Just 3 months ago I changed and got more $$ coverage for 49% of what I was paying in auto. Same company cut my homeowners for more $$ coverage for 52% of what I was paying.

[da prez]

1+ on State Farm . It even includes the add on's under the same policy with just pictures.

                                     da prez

[dinosnake]

Also, think about the long plan rather than just short term: what happens after years of being with the company rather than worrying about today's bargain.  It is tough, I know, but maybe they lower your rates after a while and make up for their initial higher pricing.  

Nope not happening, I was with the same company and agent from age 16 until  age 48 and rates went up a little every couple of years. Just 3 months ago I changed and got more $$ coverage for 49% of what I was paying in auto. Same company cut my homeowners for more $$ coverage for 52% of what I was paying.

No no, sorry, that sounds awesome and what I'm talking about - playing the long game.  Ya got more coverage for less money by going multi-line and planning to stay with them, sounds like a great deal. 

What I'm saying is, regardless of what company (State Farm seems out), help make them believe that you want to be a long term, stable customer, and more than just auto, too.  A lot of companies hate auto insurance because of accident costs, jingle that carrot of added moola in front of them 

[Jess Tolbirt]

check out these people, http://www.zanderins.com/default.aspx they will compare rates to many ins. companys and report back to you..they do this constantly,, if someone drops their rates zander will contact you and if you want them to they willswitch to the lower rated one...

[roadcaptain]

just switched from State Farm to Geico, $240 cheaper for 2 bikes.
I've had SF for 50 yrs since I'm driving..no claims, no tickets, nada..

[cookiedough]

thanks Jess Tolbert for that link, will call tomorrow, cannot hurt one bit.

Yah, am sure state farm is a good company to have,  but when I tried insuring the home with the autos to get the discount,  the home policy was like 2x's the price what I am paying now apples to apples.  Just wish I could fine ONE company who does it all reasonably priced, all 3 of our autos,  home, and cycle/scooter. 

Geico was nicely priced on the cycle/scooter as well as Allstate whom I had for years until Geico just raised my autos 11% on 1st renewal premium.  I wonder in 6 more months when the yearly cycle/scooter becomes due, if the cycle/scooter will go up 10% percent as well 'just because'?.  If so,  bye bye Geico.

[cookiedough]

check out these people, http://www.zanderins.com/default.aspx they will compare rates to many ins. companys and report back to you..they do this constantly,, if someone drops their rates zander will contact you and if you want them to they willswitch to the lower rated one...

Oh well,  Zanders only rates drivers in state of TN.  They transferred me to Answer Financial who writes policies in other states.  Cheapest they found was 600 bucks more than what I am paying now every 6 months, oh well.

It's funny with State Farm as well,  they put our 17 year old 3.7GPA daughter accident free on one vehicle and jack up the rate near double on the vehicle she drives and that car is valued at near 1/2 of the truck I drive from say 350 on newer tundra truck to near 700 bucks every 6 months on the cheaper car.  I will not do business with companies who do that. 

Anyone on here with teenage drivers say age 16-19 who found a company who is reasonably priced?  So far,  no one cheaper than Geico still even with the 11% price increase 'just because' they have had more claim in WI is all. 

And yet all insurance companies tell me it is cheaper to insure girls vs. boys both on high honor roll in high school.  Can't wait to go thru this all again late next year when my boy gets his driver's license and then I have 2 teenage drivers even though one will be in college by then not driving one vehicle at our household since in college won't need a car. 

Maybe I should work this Sunday on overtime pay instead of blowing it off working 7 days per week 9+ hour days?  One person (has family health medical bills to pay VERY high) even has been working a double shift 18 hours total in a 24 hour period until HR got a wiff of it and told him no more.    Hire more competent workers plain and simple with better pay,  case of too many higher paid Chiefs doing nothing and not enough competent Indians. 

[Jess Tolbirt]

check out these people, http://www.zanderins.com/default.aspx they will compare rates to many ins. companys and report back to you..they do this constantly,, if someone drops their rates zander will contact you and if you want them to they willswitch to the lower rated one...

Oh well,  Zanders only rates drivers in state of TN.  They transferred me to Answer Financial who writes policies in other states.  Cheapest they found was 600 bucks more than what I am paying now every 6 months, oh well. 

sorry about the bad information, i didnt know they were just TN...i have dairyland/sentry for my bike, i premium is 525 per year,, when i had my accident they asked me if i wanted to fix it or total it,, i wanted it fixed so they paid 15,000 dollars to fix a 20,000 dollar bike, and my rate went down thhe next year...
as for auto and home i have erie ins.  cost 65 bucs a month,, o yea,, i do not anylonger have kids on my policy's

[cookiedough]

check out these people, http://www.zanderins.com/default.aspx they will compare rates to many ins. companys and report back to you..they do this constantly,, if someone drops their rates zander will contact you and if you want them to they willswitch to the lower rated one...

Oh well,  Zanders only rates drivers in state of TN.  They transferred me to Answer Financial who writes policies in other states.  Cheapest they found was 600 bucks more than what I am paying now every 6 months, oh well. 

sorry about the bad information, i didnt know they were just TN...i have dairyland/sentry for my bike, i premium is 525 per year,, when i had my accident they asked me if i wanted to fix it or total it,, i wanted it fixed so they paid 15,000 dollars to fix a 20,000 dollar bike, and my rate went down thhe next year...
as for auto and home i have erie ins.  cost 65 bucs a month,, o yea,, i do not anylonger have kids on my policy's

Much appreciated though Jess on the information.  Can't hurt to call/shop around for sure. 
I cannot believe how much most all insurance companies want to add 1 teenage driver onto the policy,  and in 1 more year will be 2 for me - YIKES.  How the F can a middle income family even afford insurance let alone another vehicle?  I'm thinking of selling the 2014 sonata in 1 year depending on what 2 teenage drivers will cost and attempting to fix up the old 1986 caprice classic sitting in my mom's garage with brake issues right now telling the son next year, 'here you go,  enjoy' ONLY having liability on it is all. 

[MP]

When my kids started driving, the higher rate only applied to one vehicle.  They were not penalized on all vehicles.  So, our insurance agent put them on the oldest, cheapest vehicle.  On the farm, we have lots of vehicles! 

[sutterhome]

ZANDERS online price was way more than i am paying from the same co safeco ....weird

[Former BMW Guy]

Just got this weekend my new 6 month renewal premium from Geico who I switched to from LIberty Mutual that gave me a 20% rate increase.  Geico's new premium went up 11% all thru no fault of my own, both places stating WI payouts have been more than expected B.S.

I'd love to find ONE insurance company in this entire world that rewards easy paying customers who have NO at fault accidents ever nor any claims filed against them.

State Farm.  That's who.

I've been with them since 1989 and I'm not switching, ever, it looks like.  Not only have they never raised my rates, they paid out on the single auto incident I've had without question, paid out on the two bike accidents (both involving animals) I had, AND...due to my overall driving record, they sent me a letter stating that they will never cancel me unless I am found guilty of a crime involving a vehicle.  Let's repeat that last bit in case you passed out from the surprise of an insurance company making that statement: never cancel me, no matter what happens, unless I'm guilty of a vehicular crime.

You may now resume rational thought 

So you are paying the same rate for over 25 years??      

[cookiedough]

Just got this weekend my new 6 month renewal premium from Geico who I switched to from LIberty Mutual that gave me a 20% rate increase.  Geico's new premium went up 11% all thru no fault of my own, both places stating WI payouts have been more than expected B.S.

I'd love to find ONE insurance company in this entire world that rewards easy paying customers who have NO at fault accidents ever nor any claims filed against them.

State Farm.  That's who.

I've been with them since 1989 and I'm not switching, ever, it looks like.  Not only have they never raised my rates, they paid out on the single auto incident I've had without question, paid out on the two bike accidents (both involving animals) I had, AND...due to my overall driving record, they sent me a letter stating that they will never cancel me unless I am found guilty of a crime involving a vehicle.  Let's repeat that last bit in case you passed out from the surprise of an insurance company making that statement: never cancel me, no matter what happens, unless I'm guilty of a vehicular crime.

You may now resume rational thought 

So you are paying the same rate for over 25 years??      

wouldn't that be awesome, no rate increase or very slightly in 25 years.  GREAT for you for having an insurance company who rewards longevity with them, wish it were true with the other 99% insurance companies out there. 

[Oss]

It seems that insurance will vary widely by state

Here in NY I have had to switch many times

Geico cut us  after an accident 0 percent our fault, other driver crossed double yellow head onto wife with baby in car seat in back and we wont ever go back  We have Travelers now for the car  As someone said compare coverage amounts, SUM, liability, collision deductibles or you dont really know who is cheaper   I carry max and also umbrella  the umbrella is cheap and covers everything

Progressive has paid me no hassle and great results on my bike claims and near or at lowest rate for the 2 bikes when I shop around They paid my tow to the shop in Iowa this summer but not for the new tire (oh well) I should get trip interuption insurance too next time

 I dont get though why with one driver no discount on 2nd bike     I cant drive them both the same time, but do sometimes ride both the same day anyway

Changed my building insurance agent to Fred from Joseph recently and he cut rate almost in half  He told me my house policy is good and now I am a believer in trust but verify.  

Good luck cookiedough

[Bighead]

It seems that insurance will vary widely by state

Here in NY I have had to switch many times

Geico cut us  after an accident 0 percent our fault, other driver crossed double yellow head onto wife with baby in car seat in back and we wont ever go back  We have Travelers now for the car  As someone said compare coverage amounts, SUM, liability, collision deductibles or you dont really know who is cheaper   I carry max and also umbrella  the umbrella is cheap and covers everything

Progressive has paid me no hassle and great results on my bike claims and near or at lowest rate for the 2 bikes when I shop around They paid my tow to the shop in Iowa this summer but not for the new tire (oh well) I should get trip interuption insurance too next time

 I dont get though why with one driver no discount on 2nd bike     I cant drive them both the same time, but do sometimes ride both the same day anyway

Changed my building insurance agent to Fred from Joseph recently and he cut rate almost in half  He told me my house policy is good and now I am a believer in trust but verify.  

Good luck cookiedough

OSS I have travelers for home and auto since my switch a few months back. Would never ever have Geico as I had a 92 yo man run a red light and t- bone me and after about 6 weeks of calls to them to get my truck repaired the lady told me they were investigating the wreck and I ask if they had to bother calling the witness listed on the Police report ( witness was a lawyer ) and she said we don't have a police report, I asked politely HOW IN THE HELL ARE YOU INVESTIGATING IF YOU HAVE NO REPORT!  ask for her fax # and sent her a copy then while still on the phone with her asked her to call witness while I am waiting she said hold please called the 92 yo insured and ask if he indeed ran a red light to which he replied I didn't see any light ( must less a red light  ) she got back on the line with me and said Mr. Hall your check is in the mail it just pisses me off I had to call them at least a dozen times to get anything done so I wouldn't give them a penny for a years worth of coverage