Home/auto/etal insurance

[Ranger111]

So, in the midst of trying to get quotes for insurance on home/auto/etc., I am having a close family member die, so I am a bit "chowder-headed."

Anyway, I got a quote from a local State Farm agent. Not even close to using for auto, but home was marginally acceptable -- yes -- I know about multiple policy discounts and bundles.

But, the person quoting me does not listen, keeps using the cars he "gets" from some database vs. the ones we really own to give us a car quote.

I would like a VALID quote from State Farm and am thinking of calling another agent -- there are a half-dozen in the area -- but I seem to remember several years ago I did the same thing with Farmers and when I called the second office they told me they could not help me because I had an "active" quote with another local office.

I guess I could just call another office and find out. And, I guess, now that I have thought that out while writing this, maybe I will....but anyone have experience with other agents from the same firm.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Were the cars the State Farm agent kept using previous cars you have owned in the past?

And as far as Farmers yes if you have an active quote with another agent (there is a time limit when that quote will expire) then they do not want a new agent to quote you. That is to prevent agents from basically poaching clients and getting that commission instead of the agent who either worked at getting the quote by networking, cold-calling, or purchasing leads, etc.

 

[tvguy]

I have gotten quotes for my auto, homeowners, life and umbrella policies. Bottom line, I have never gotten a quote where there was more than $20 a year difference in the sum total of the premiums. One may be much cheaper on auto, but then they are that much more expensive on homeowners. Or cheaper on homeowners and more expensive on auto. Auto and Home were the only ones that varied. Life and Umbrella quotes were never much different.
But to OP, yes, the agent should be quoting you rates based on the actual cars you drive, for the actual miles you drive, based on the driving records of those driving those cars.
I just went through a whole big hassle getting the number of miles driving on my family car correct on my policy. That vehicle, has over 100,000 miles on it, but the odometer only reads to 99,999 and the insurance company just assumed I was driving about 4 times as many miles on it a year as I do. Got that fixed.....finally....and got a rate reduction of $55 a year.

 

[jjjones325]

State Farm has an 800 number where you can get quotes. Not sure if they'll see you've already been quoted by a local agent or not. Did the local person ask for the VIN of your vehicle? Not sure I understand what you mean by quoting you database cars rather than the ones you have.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

State Farm has an 800 number where you can get quotes. Not sure if they'll see you've already been quoted by a local agent or not. Did the local person ask for the VIN of your vehicle? Not sure I understand what you mean by quoting you database cars rather than the ones you have.

If the cars were ones the OP previously owned then it is coming from a database--either based on your previous insurance companies including current one reporting to the database or the state's DMV reporting to the database, etc.

Typically things like that will pre-populate for the agent thus making it quicker to do a quote and can help get a preliminary price (that can and often will change once things like your credit is run, things like your driver's license is run, etc--all depends on how the agent got the quote and what reports the system has already run).

ETA: Your state's DOI (Department of Insurance) will also have rules for what can be used in your rate.

 

[MillauFr]

I would call more companies and shop around. Biggest way to save money is by increasing your deductible. There is no reason to make small claims as they insurance companies will just use this against you and jack up your rates or cancel you.

 

[manning]

Do you have an american express card? They have a policy where you can buy insurance cheap. Each time you rent a car you pay a one time fee that will cover insurance for up to a number of days. You will have to check that part out as I don't remember the number of day. I guess 30 days. I don't remember the fee.

IE. Let's say it is $30.00. If you rent for one, two, three etc days the cost would be $30.00 one time for that rental

You have to decline the rental car company coverage.

You will have to sign up for coverage.