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+--- Thread: Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you (/showthread.php?tid=159079)
Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you - graylocks - 10-16-2013
a few years ago, upon recommendation from a few forumistas, i began using Farm Bureau for homeowners insurance. the rates were great at the time and i did a bit of rate shopping on home owners just last month and they were still considerably more reasonable than others. i have not had to file a claim with them; i do get a check in phone call every year at renewal time from my agent.
the agent just called saying they've redone their discounts on home/auto coverage. we had checked on this when i first enrolled and doing both with Farm bureau wasn't worth my while. long story short now it would be worth it. her quote for the coverage i get from GEICO would cut my premium almost in half!
i am much more likely to file a claim on auto than on home so i'm wondering how they are with claims and customer service. FB seems more individual agent oriented than GEICO so who your agent is probably factors quite strongly but still any input might be helpful. a google search of course turns up complaints though not as many as the same search for GEICO.
i have no complaints with GEICO. i've been with them for 31 years and am a creature of habit. OTOH, $400 in savings is more than enough to get me to change my habit!
Re: Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you - Paul F. - 10-16-2013
"I have no complaints with GEICO. i've been with them for 31 years and am a creature of habit."
Would that be a Gecko of habit?
And yes, I would think that $400 is well worth jumping ship for...
Re: Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you - Robert M - 10-16-2013
Gray,
A couple of things before you make the switch. I've noticed insurance companies have a habit of giving you prices that look great on the surface but are actually not necessarily competitive upon delving into the actual coverage and costs.
For example... They'll leave out certain types of coverage. They'll give you uninsured but leave off underinsured. Or, they'll give both but the actual coverage isn't on the same level. Or, the maximum levels they allow are less than those from the existing provider. Or, they'll be competitive on the coverage until you factor in additional items such as an umbrella policy. At that point, the savings can become negligible or they'll be flat out more expensive.
This is one of the reasons I left Geico for Travelers. The auto coverage was comparable. But, Geico was significantly more expensive for the umbrella policy and the homeowner's coverage was comparable in price but not in the coverage itself. I do a price comparison once every six months or so and the situation hasn't changed for nearly four years. So, I'm still with Travelers.
Also, if you took a defensive driving class, make sure the new insurance company accepts it. I found out that some insurance companies only accept defensive driving certificates from a limited number of "acceptable" providers. Fortunately, I've yet to find an insurance company that won't accept the course offered by the National Safety Council. Definitely worth taking. In NY, the certificate it reduces liability premiums by 10% or takes some points off your license for a certain number of years. I think it's 2 or 3 years. Definitely cost effective and worthwhile in NY. Maybe it's similar in your area?
Robert
Re: Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you - graylocks - 10-16-2013
Robert -
thanks for the advice. i did pull out my GEICO policy as we talked and made sure we were talking about the exact same coverage. when she gave me the quote i pointedly said you do realize i have a 20 year old male driver on the policy, right?
GEICO is giving me the DD discount so i'll be sure to ask FB about that. i did have GEICO run a quote years ago for insuring auto and home and it definitely wasn't affordable to go that route.
Re: Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you - Robert M - 10-16-2013
Gray,
Glad to be of assistance. Also, always ask about other discounts. Some companies aren't always forthcoming with them. You may be able to reduce the cost of the premiums by paying yearly rather than every six months or monthly. And, if you have a credit card that gives you cash back on purchases, throw the premiums on the card. It may not be a huge amount of $$$ but every little bit helps.
Robert
Re: Farm Bureau Clients - Q for you - graylocks - 10-16-2013
Robert M wrote:
And, if you have a credit card that gives you cash back on purchases, throw the premiums on the card. It may not be a huge amount of $$$ but every little bit helps.
this i have been doing for years. hmmm. i should probably as FB if they accept credit card payments. not a deal breaker in this case but still worth asking. also, i had asked GEICO about separating out a policy for the car my son drives but i own so that any misshap with him doesn't affect my overall policy. this was possible with them although at a slightly higher cost. i'll see if FB can do it in a way enticingly affordable to me.