Home/Auto Insurance Help

[bgenew1]

We got our renewal rates and both policies are going up $200 each. We have made no claims the past year on either. My agent says the company "just had a price increase." He is supposed to be shopping around for a better rate.

On my own I have contacted other companies getting quotes and sadly they are close or even higher.

Does anyone have any tips/suggestions on how to get lower rates? We live in Georgia if that helps.

Thanks.

 

[Theaberdeenkid]

Try Erie insurance. Highly rated with reasonable prices.

 

[clh2]

Have you looked into "upping" your deductibles. That should decrease your premiums.

Also- have you looked at getting all applicable discounts. I.e. I am eligible for a discount if I take on online safety class for drivers over 50. If you have any young drivers, have you submitted their report cards to get the good student discounts?

And in my experience, the companies look back much further than 1 year for claims payouts. State Farm looks back about 5 years, IIRC.

Good luck!

 

[stacieps]

Our home and auto policies that were to re-new beginning of December went up around $700. I called my agent (I use an agent at an office that writes thru many insurance companies) - she said that particular company (Safeco) had pretty substantial increases for many customers. She re-shopped our policies and we went with another company for $1,150 less than the renewal rates from Safeco. Hopefully your agent will find you something better.

 

[tvguy]

Have you looked into "upping" your deductibles. That should decrease your premiums.

This is the key, raise the deductible. Even if you have a claim, it takes an amazing short time to save enough in premiums to pay that higher deductible.

 

[bgenew1]

No kids on the policy. Just my husband and I and we are in our early 40s. I will ask about raising the deductible. Just a shame you can be good loyal customers with no claims and it doesn't count for anything.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I am 47 years old and have been with Liberty Mutual since I started driving at 16. I have been very happy with them. Yes, there has been increases over the years but nothing "terrible." I have to say they have gone above and beyond for me at times, not with claims but with some other issues. For example, we live in California but have a lot of belongings in storage in NJ. The storage company wanted all this info and a lot of insurance info too. Called Liberty Mutual and they said, "we'll take care of it." Not only did they call the storage facility directly, but took care of all paperwork/faxes/phone calls. I didn't ask them to do it, they offered. Anyway, as others said, make sure your getting your discounts. I get discount for multiple policies, car alarm, security system in house and even being an RN, yes, who knew? Liberty Mutual told me! LM also told me to re-evaluate home owners insurance especially when the market went down and many times people are covered too much with that and the belongings.

 

[Hisgirl]

Due to the monumental property losses across the nation (hurricane sandy, multiple large tornados, flooding) property insurance premiums have gone up across the board in order for companies to stay in business. They have had to pay out so much money to cover these losses, their coffers have taken a hit.

Make sure you have raised your deductible on your home and car. This can reduce your premiums by 25% and reduce small claims which can affect your future premiums and insurability.

Also, read up on customer satisfaction before signing on with a low cost insurance company. Read JD powers, consumer reports, clark howard etc. I just switched from amica to auto owners (ga. resident too) and have saved so much more money, but with a great company. Keep looking around, you'll find the right fit.

But remember, a low price does not mean they'll be there when you need them to be there. Be careful about that.

Also, if either of your parents served in the military, they qualify for USAA. If they sign up, you will qualify too. They may have a good rate for you.

 

[bgenew1]

Auto Owners was on my list to call tomorrow per Clark Howard's suggestion.