Auto insurance.........

1pump · 12-20-2003, 12:33 PM

I don't know if this is a breach of the AUP or not, but here goes.........

Got my car insurance bill in the mail the other day. Opened it up and nearly blew a gasket.
It's not that it went up again, but that it didn't go down, like my agent said it would for this policy period. I got a minor speeding ticket in 2002, and my rates went up by about 40%, but my agent said that would only last a year. So now it's well over a year later, and I'm paying over $1800 a year for liability only on a '86 beater pickup, and full coverage on a '92 Bronco, which is hardly worth anything. And the insurance company claims it's discounted. No claims, wrecks or anything other than a speeding ticket in 2002. I think it's way too much $$ based on what I've paid in years past. I haven't had a chance to call my agent and ask him to explain this, and I haven't started shopping for a new carrier as of yet. They've been good, except for the astronomical rate hike.
I just want to know if I'm paying too much or if the rates are competitive with everybody else. I'm not married at the moment, but that shouldn't matter at my age.
Am I getting burned, or am I in the ballpark with everybody else?

Day Late · 12-20-2003, 04:04 PM

If you're the only licensed operator in your household and over 25, these rates seem excessive for 1 ticket over a year old. I'd certainly start shopping. Also, if the '92 isn't worth much I would go with liability only (maybe comp if you're afraid it might get stolen),but doesn't appear you need collision. Assume you've been with the same company awhile. Good luck-let and us know how you make out. :smile:

Day Late

Pyramid · 12-20-2003, 05:30 PM

Shop around, take your policy to several agents and ask them if they can beat your current policy.

You will reap the rewards for years to come. Also, my Ins Co. allows one speeding ticket every three years with no penalty. :smile:

I must also say that I've been with the same company for 20 years. Full coverage on two newer rigs for us is about 1100.00 a year.

Shop around!

[ 12-20-2003, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: Chinookster ]

WheresMyBobber · 12-20-2003, 06:59 PM

Yeah, you need to shop around. A lot of the time you can get cheaper rates if you have your house insured with the same company. Put together a "portfolio" of everything you want to insure and the types of coverage/deductables you want, leave it with 3 or 4 different companies and let them get back to you with their quotes. I think you'll be happily surprised with the results.

Smily · 12-20-2003, 07:52 PM

I wouldn't stop at just a few of them. Depending on how much time you have, I would shop till I drop. Being loyal to one company anymore is a crock because once I left a company for another, they came back and offered me cheaper rates. I don't think that's fair. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] On them. Now I have 2 different insurances for the things I need covered. As always buyer beware. :shocked: I am leary of them but you got to have them by law.

:smile: Smily :smile:

jokester · 12-20-2003, 07:55 PM

I feel for ya dude! I'm 23 and have a speeding ticket on my record. You're paying $1800 / per year? I'm paying $1100 every 6 months!!! Talk about bending over and grabbing the ankles :shocked:

-jokester

Cool Texan · 12-20-2003, 10:44 PM

Ouch. I'm paying around $1000 a year for full coverage, with a $50 comprehensive deductible for my Durango. The Lexus is roughly the same amount, maybe a tad more. Sounds like you're getting screwed. Then again, I've had the same State Farm policy for 17 years or so....which I think helps.

1pump · 12-20-2003, 11:04 PM

I'm with State Farm now, but only since 2001. I was with Allstate from 1987-2001 and it didn't stop them from jacking my rates up, which, combined with my agent retiring, caused me to switch to State Farm. And I had FOUR policies with Allstate- 3 cars, 2 boats, homeowners, and life.

Cool Texan · 12-21-2003, 09:54 AM

They should be giving you a mult-line discount if you are doing cars, boat, house, etc. According to them, since I have had my policy for so long I am getting every discount they offer....so there's something to be said for staying in one place for a while.

Norski · 12-21-2003, 10:44 AM

I am with Progressive, and some say there high, but we have a new subaru, 86 P/U 4x4 and I paying $930.00 per year, now I am 54, and been driven from the age of 13, befor Tigard is what it is now.
If you thake a driven course some well give you another discount, just a thought.

ICHTHYDEMON · 12-21-2003, 07:18 PM

Thats really steep. I'm 30,and my wife is 32,and our rates are not nearly that high. We have full coverage on a 99 Blazer,01 2500HD,04 jet sled,and an 03 travel trailer. Our rate for 6 months is just over $600 to insure all 4 rigs. We have rental cars,towing,uninsured motorist and other odds and ends with that rate. We also get a dividend each year for being insured with them. I can't remember how exactly is calculated,but this year we got a check for $100.

We are insured thru USAA,I don't know if your eligible or not. I think its reserved for people in the military or their families.

Silver Hilton · 12-21-2003, 07:26 PM

I suspect you're paying the price for being young, good looking, and single. Well, one out of three, anyway.

Insurance is a racket.

GutshotApe · 12-21-2003, 07:37 PM

In Oregon, if you have one car and one driver in the household, the price for liability is X. If you have two cars but still only one driver, the price for liability coverage is 2X. Three cars, one driver = 3X, etc.

After complaining to the state insurance commissioner a letter in response said..."It must be fair because all the companies do it that way".