Sentry Insurance

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:12 am Post Subject:

Look up for them in A.M. Best report as well as the other rating agency reports. Also you may check out with the department of insurance records. It registers the consumers complaints against the insurance company.

~jeremy

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:32 am Post Subject:

I'm sure that lori would be shortly around and while she is away I would put forward my two cents to it.

What Jeremy has said is absolutely right, these are the best sources to know the authenticity of the insurance company. Also I would suggest that you also check with your friends and family to know their feedback.

Its important that you check the claim history as well as the financial stability of the company before accepting their proposal. And also don't forget to compare the rates along with the benefits before signing the policy document.

Thanks,
Jeremy

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:36 pm Post Subject:

Dave, I've heard of them, nothing good or bad, personally I think checking with AM Best and also checking your states DOI page, and complaint log is a good source of information...Can this agent hook you up with any other body shops he insures? That to me is the proof in the puddin'...I'd call them and ask if they have ever had any claims, and how they were handled etc...The privacy (crap) might get in the way of him telling you who he has policys on, but if he wants to sell to you he will contact some of his insured's and ask if it's ok to give their names to you as a reference... As you know garage keepers is a complicated policy..(i hated handling those claims)...so you want to be sure you are adequetly protected...especially with the sue happy world we find ourselves in now...I'd also ask him if there are local adjusters or do they farm out their claims to independents etc...let us know what his answers are Dave, I'm sure you'll know what to do based on his answers, I'm just curious... :wink:

Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 03:06 pm Post Subject:

I am also wondering what reasons there may be to stay with my current carrier. I had a claim once about 10 years ago, a vehicle stolen off of the lot. That experience was fine because the vehicle was recovered and totaled. As you know it would have been different had we had to repair it.

My current policy also come with life ins., has what I think are high limits because we work on high end cars... they also sent me an 8,000 dollar check a few years ago because they got in some kind of legal trouble.

Also as you know, I am not a drp so I haven't signed any agreements indemnifying any insurers or holding them harmless. Wouldn't you think that would reduce some risk?

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 01:32 am Post Subject:

It might Dave, I honestly don't know how the whole premium thing works as far as garage keepers...and as far as the drp requirements (for the company I work for anyway) they just have to have high enough general liablity limits only and we have to have a copy of their policy showing that...but don't think that increases any limits, in fact I'd hazard a guess the carriers don't have a clue about the drp contacts...

If your carrier has been good to you why switch?

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 04:48 pm Post Subject: Sentry Insurance

Sentry is a A+ rated company and they are a mutual company whichis good in these times as they are owned by their policy holders and not public stock. I have had claims experience with them and I received my check in 5 days - they are really good and fast with claims. Their policy is very comprehensive and their business income is superior. Check them out as suggested above. I am very happy with Sentry, they are very stable and secure and have a great policy

Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:18 am Post Subject:

If you are happy with them, why switch? But again, it wouldn't hurt to get another quote..just to make sure you are ok.

If they are somewhat close to what you are paying now, keep in mind that you have been with your present company for over 10 years - that would help when it comes to a sticky situation (claim). Longevity with a company doesn't hurt.

Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 08:11 pm Post Subject:

If I can get a comparable coverage/premium with a good mutual company, I think I would sleep a little better. I have dealt with the division of my current carrier that handles auto... I think they are in the race to the bottom.