10-16-2013, 05:54 PM
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
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