by dr_meyler » Fri Apr 18, 2008 04:25 pm
I want to find the best car insurance company and am having trouble learning about what other people think. Most people go for best price, but I want to know who is, and isn't, going to help me if I have anaccident.
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 07:28 pm Post Subject:
Don't you watch TV? A State Farm agent will come to the accident scene with a mug of hot chocolate and sing you soothing songs while he writes a check for the full value of your car with no questions asked.
Oh, wait I may be confusing SF with Farmers.
Or maybe it's Progressive, no they will just schedule a back massage and set you a tee time while you're waiting for a rental car to be delivered to the accident scene.
Really though, I think your best bet is to find a mid-sized regional company instead of any of the nationals you see commercials for every day.
Not to knock the big dogs (but a lot of the commercials are really unrealistic) it's just in my humble opinon the regionals are a little more people oriented in many cases and have claims people who are less overworked and underpaid. Again I restate that I am not bashing any particular company and/or it's employees here.
You'll also be more likely to get a really good, full time, professional agent to go along with your great company.
What state are you in? I may even be able to recommend a company.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 01:24 am Post Subject:
I think Fishman has a good point. Granted, I think it really comes down to who the adjuster is that handles your claim more then the company but the larger, regional companies probably have more bean counters far, far away telling everyone what to do.
I also thought Fishman's comments about those commercials were right on the spot. Granted, those companies might do a good job but lets face it, it's 100% hype.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 05:48 am Post Subject:
Hi,
Granted, those companies might do a good job but lets face it, it's 100% hype.
Some times it is the customer care division that seems so sweet & satisfying, rather than their claims-adjuster when it comes to settling. On the other hand you have these small-fund regional companies who'd never talk sweet, have their HQ near your home (you might visit a number of times to speed up your claim processing). They have a strong database of regional customers & are always obliged to cater to their customers' needs in order to sustain & grow!
Regards,
Plasticmind
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 01:47 pm Post Subject: The choice of independent collsion shop owners is..
The choice of choosey people is Chubb Insurance!
They are all about customer service as it used to be known, not today's version where customers service the stock holders and corporate coffers.
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 05:25 pm Post Subject:
Wow! Mike of the Ozarks, how clever. However, I still think its all about finding the right agent. Whether, they be a small broker or big fish agent. The product is only as good as the person knowing your personal needs and making the right recommendations. So instead of seeking the company find the agent or broker that you can trust to answer questions regarding how their specific company handles claims. Good luck!
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 06:24 pm Post Subject: I contend to be contrary concerning consumer coverage choice
Disclaimer
Warning! Warning! Warning! Highly personal opinion not meant to disparage any one person or company, cavemen, lizard, agent, broker or SOME adjusters. Potentially outlandish statements "some might assert" lie ahead. You should proceed with an open mind and caution.
However, I still think its all about finding the right agent. Whether, they be a small broker or big fish agent. The product is only as good as the person knowing your personal needs and making the right recommendations
.While one might presume or profess it's possible to provide for people preferring protection of property based on what you feel fit their needs, I contend it's all about a provider's performance of the protection you provide.
If Peter Peterson provided insurance protection to Polly Perkins, who was presumedly perusing pamphlets by insurance providers proferring protection promised to be punctual and perfunctory, how's the performance of the policy products promised and procurred profoundly promoted by Peter Peterson who purportedly provided policies in philadelphia and pittsburg?
I thought they were asking for a reference of an auto insurance company that has a good reputation for delivering a product of insurance as promised; not a request for an agent or broker that has the ability to recognize what coverage and protection is required based on the perceived needs of the consumer. They wanted to know if that dog they are looking to buy had any bark in it. It ain't rocket science. It's who best manages the consumers expectations and delivers on their policy promise and contract.
Most state web sites have a consumer complaint index for rating insurers based on the numbers of complaints they receive. That could be one method of choosing a provider. The other would be to consult with an independent repair shop that does not have a contractual arrangement with any insurer and can inform you of companies in your area that they feel service their claims promptly, professionally, and thoroughly to the consumer's satisfaction.
I would not base my consumer choice on the content of commercials insurers promote which sell you on the notion that one cares more about your protection than the other. There are three themes conveyed in most insurance commercials. One is where they sell to you based on cost savings but never show you the coverage protection. That would be low dollar Joes insurance emporium. Two is that they care more about your personal protection than the other carrier, they play to your emotions. Third, they plant an identifiable character trait or one of comic relief that will make you associate insurance with their trade name which is top of the mind awareness ad techniques. None of these techiques ever show you whether they properly managed the consumers expectations of the products they promised to deliver.
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 06:53 pm Post Subject: insurance
Well..gonna give you my opionion, too.LOL Why don't you start with the agents near you, check them out, and see what's right for you. Not all of these 'well-known' companies may be what your looking for. I have a 'small' agency, right in my home town. I think their better than the companies yuo see on TV. I actually DID have a policy, with one of the 'big-wigs'......my monthly payment went up every 4 months and I found out there were charging me for things I DID NOT want, on my policy.
Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 07:45 pm Post Subject:
Personally I would say that an agent is not a good source of information. The way an agent makes money in my selling a policy. Many are captive and many others place policies with the company that pay the highest commissions. How is this a good source of information? Yes, the agent should know what _type_ is insurance a person needs but this is not reflective as to what kind of company the carrier is.
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:11 pm Post Subject:
Were I in a position of not knowing much about insurance first thing I would do is check with my states DOI site and see which carriers have the most complaints...I (personally) would also want a company that has a local claims office or minimally a local adjuster.
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 02:37 pm Post Subject: I found a company that saved me on my auto and home.
When looking for my homeowners insurance I came across this company that shopped my home insurance and then gave me a discount on my car insurance for switching that as well. This may help you when trying to find a cheaper or more affordable rate.
post edited as per forum rules - Evan
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