Who do we like for Homeowner's Insurance?

[davemchine]

I have been using Safeco for renters, auto, and homeowners insurance for the last 25 years. I have had several claims and have been satisfied with all but one. I priced competitors a few years ago and could not beat the rates at the same insurance levels. I'm sure things can change but that's my 2 cents.

[Robert M]

Steve,

Key things when it comes to insurance. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when it comes to the policy. Also, they will likely give you a discount if you combine homeowners, auto and personal liability. If you haven't done so, see if your state has a defensive driver training program. NY has one and you can get a 10% discount for your auto liability and, possibly, collision. Also ask for what other types of discounts are available, i.e. accident-free for x years, etc.

I'm with Travelers. After doing direct comparisons, they are the least expensive and offer the best homeowners policy for my place. Geico was much less expensive until I made its coverage match what I have from Travelers. At that point, the numbers were comparable. Not enough of a difference to change carriers especially since I have a "high value" policy with Travelers which providers more comprehensive coverage overall than a standard homeowners policy. Keep in mind least expensive is not always the best or most appropriate way to buy insurance. Far from. Same goes for staying with an insurance company just because you've been with them for X number of years or because you have a good relationship with the agent.

The real test of the insurance company is e type of policy offered and how they take care of you in e event of a claim. I have a great policy with Travelers, the price is solid and they took care of hail damage to my car quickly and with minimal fuss. Any insurance company is going to have to offer me _significant_ savings to make it worth my while to switch to them. Not $100 or $200 per year. They're going to have to do better than that to make it worth a change.

I am a member of USAA. Full member. I was a member with limited benefits since I had a USAA credit card. I became a full member after my father-in-law and wife signed up. Membership is free. My father-in-laws as eligible for full membership because is ex-military and a retired postal carrier. He switched his auto and homeowners to them. I told my wife to sign up with USAA. She got full membership because of the family connection. My membership went from partial to full instantly. I immediately compared prices and USAA is comparable to Travelers but i wasn't getting the high value home policy. So, at that point, there wasn't enough justification to make the switch.

I'll be reevaluating insurance in about two or so weeks. Travelers is supposedly reducing its premiums overall, my wife just finished taking the defensive driving class and I'll have her certificate it on hand for the insurance discount and my policy will be near its anniversary. It's the perfect time to run some numbers.

Robert

[Fritz]

we have GEICO/Travelers.
we're happy coz we have never had to use it.
but we are building an arc in the backyard, just in case.

[GuyGene]

miley-laughing001: heheheheeee, a good one, WHiiP.

Wha' old Robert said.

[steve...]

Thanks all for your recommendations and comments - they have been very helpful. I'm leaning towards USAA but will get a few more quotes this week.